The rescue team was called to attend an opal mine collapse in which two miners were missing, believed trapped underground. After descending 15 metres into the mine rescuers found that a major collapse had occurred covering an area of 12 metres by 10 metres and consisting of approximately 300 tonnes of mainly sandstone material. Numerous faults were evident in the remaining roof with the potential for further collapse being very high.
As there was no space to use conventional digging tools the excavation was carried out by the team using their bare hands and helmets. After approximately one and a half hours of continuous digging they located and released one of the miners who had been trapped under two metres of rubble.
His condition was immediately assessed and stabilised by the ambulance officer working with the rescue team.The second miner, also buried under two metres of dirt, was located about 90 minutes later but unfortunately was found to be deceased. The team remained in the mine until the second miner's body was extricated and removed to the surface.

For their actions, the rescue team is recognised by the award of the Group Citation for Bravery.

GIVEN at Government house, Canberra By His Excellency's Command this twenty-ninth day of June 1998.