Carnival atmosphere for Mines Emergency Rescue Competition
11 October 2023
The 2023 South Australian Mines Emergency Rescue Competition in Whyalla won’t just be about fire, smoke and rescue action … it will also be about fantastic trade displays and a carnival-type atmosphere.
The October 14 and 15 event will be taking full advantage of its locations around Whyalla to create a real buzz at the foreshore and marina with two other competition sites at the Visitor Centre and the Country Fire Service depot.
The South Australian Mines Emergency Rescue Competition (SAMERC) is normally held at remote mining sites with minimal spectators. With Whyalla’s SIMEC Mining Iron Ore operation hosting this year’s event, it was an ideal opportunity to hold it around the Whyalla city precinct to create an amazing spectator experience.
Whyalla locals will also get the chance to cheer on our very own SIMEC Mining team as it pits itself against teams from throughout South Australia.
Having brought the event to the central business district of Whyalla, spectators are going to see some amazing action and some interesting trade displays they wouldn’t normally get to see
SAMERC Chairman Les Allen
With free entry to the action from 7am until 5pm on Saturday and 7am to 3pm on Sunday,, spectators will also enjoy an interesting range of trade displays with food and refreshments available at the marina.
One of the highlights will be Qube’s world-first battery powered prime mover on display at the marina. The Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) simulator plane will also be on show with staff on hand to talk about this life-saving organisation.
Other displays will include the Metropolitan Fire Service,, a big range of emergency response and worksafe displays while SAPOL will have a stand and the Whyalla Sea Rescue will have its rescue boat on show with crew members.
The displays will keep spectators engaged between the action at the marina and on the jetty while there will be catering from local providers Masala, Desert Ice Cream and Blended.
SAMERC Chairman Les Allen said spectators were in store for an exciting event as the competition happens all day at the three venues with just short breaks as teams move from site to site.
“Having brought the event to the central business district of Whyalla, spectators are going to see some amazing action and some interesting trade displays they wouldn’t normally get to see,” Les said.
“You’ll be able to move from site to site to see the continuous action … you won’t miss a thing.
“We are just so proud we are giving businesses and many of our sponsors the opportunity to show what they do and provide for what will be a lively, carnival-type atmosphere.”
MAIN PICTURE: The SIMEC Mining Team – Alex Barns-Tripp, Brendan Schwenke, Tom Dunn, Emma Mullenger, Michael Dalbosco, Graeme Nolan (captain), Ben Rowlands.
SAMERC schedule and spectator information
When: Saturday October 14 (7am to 5pm) and Sunday, October 15 (7am to 3pm)
Where: Whyalla Marina (Buttlinggarra Way), Whyalla Visitor Centre (the big ship on Lincoln Highway) and the Whyalla CFS (41 Keith St).
Viewing: Spectators are encouraged to come to the Whyalla Foreshore and Marina (Buttlinggarra Way) where there will be rescue action, displays, food and drink.. Spectators are also welcome at the Whyalla Visitor Centre (the big ship on Lincoln Highway) and the Whyalla CFS station (41 Keith St, Whyalla) for competition action.
For all event information and to follow the action go to the SAMERC Facebook Page
Competing teams at the 2023 SAMERC
SIMEC Mining Iron Ore – Whyalla
Newcrest – Cadia Valley
Hillgrove Resources – Kanmantoo
Iluka Resources – Jacinth Ambrosia
BHP – Olympic Dam
BHP – Carrapateena
BHP – Prominent Hill
Read more about the 2023 SAMERC in Whyalla
Kanmantoo crew kits up for SAMERCA
Council joins premium SAMERC sponsors
SIMEC Mining wins SAMERC hosting rights
Proud Sponsors
Watch the promo video