The Gold Industry Group (GIG) is proud to be the Industry Partner of the ninth annual Mining and Emergency Response Competition (MERC), introducing mental health workshops to the event, held in Perth from 22 to 24 November 2019.
MERC simultaneously provides a valuable skill-building opportunity for emergency response volunteers as they compete in a series of realistic scenarios that are designed to test their skills; and showcases these amazing real-life demonstrations of emergency rescue in a safe, family-friendly event for the community.
14 teams, including members Newmont Goldcorp Australia and AngloGold Ashanti Australia, will be tested in scenarios that include road crash rescue, hazardous material response, vertical rescue, firefighting, confined space, emergency team readiness and first aid, with this year’s event also sponsored by Newmont Goldcorp Australia.
As a not for profit organisation, MERC aims to provide a world-class, safe and sustainable, industry event focused on fostering valuable networks and building professional and personal life skills.
As the MERC’s Industry Partner, the GIG will provide two free mental health workshops, courtesy of community partner LIVIN, to almost 200 emergency response personnel, event marshals and volunteers.
Emergency responders go above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of their colleagues and the communities in which they work, therefore it is crucial they are also supported, and the LIVIN sessions align with MERC’s mental health focus.
In 2017, MERC partnered with Holyoake to create a free app ‘My Wellbeing Mate’, an instant gateway to free wellness resources such as helplines, websites, guides, videos, inspiring talks and more, available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. These links to support and information are practical tools for both those who need help and those who are supporting others in need of help.
The LIVINWell workshops are highly relatable in their delivery and provide practical tools to empower participants to speak up, seek help and help others. LIVIN’s mantra ‘it ain’t weak to speak’, is an effective message that has resonated and commenced a movement within gold mining to speak up through the GIG’s partnership.
GIG Executive Officer Rebecca Johnston said the collaboration provided a great connection between the industry and the community.
“We are delighted to partner with the MERC this year to enhance the experience for participants and volunteers through LIVIN’s powerful and educational mental health workshops.
“We also look forward to promoting the unique opportunity that the MERC presents for our wider community to see first-hand the commitment of workers within the mining industry, as well as the challenges faced in remarkable real-life scenarios,” she said.
The GIG and LIVIN have worked together since 2017 to break down the stigma associated with mental illness. In early 2019, the two organisations embarked on a joint nation-wide tour bringing more than 50 LIVINWell workshops to gold mine sites, offices and communities across Australia.
This year, the MERC will welcome a larger volunteer community, with their partnership with the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades (AVBFB), that will deliver unprecedented opportunities for the recognition, promotion and professional development of Western Australia’s 20,000+ Bush Fire volunteers.
As part of the partnership, MERC will play host to the 2019 Bush Fire Games, where volunteer bush fire teams will participate in their own competition events across the same weekend. This collaboration is a further celebration of volunteers who work in and support communities across WA.
In addition, the GIG will also set up a fun gold panning activity station at MERC for the wider community, with additional learning resources to highlight gold’s importance, relevance and opportunities.
MERC is a free event, open to the public, with rescue scenarios and interactive activities for the whole family. Friday 22 November: 8am - 5pm, Saturday 23 November 9am - 5:30pm, and Sunday 24 November 9:30am - 2pm.