The Prime Minister, John Howard, has praised the Tasmanian community of Beaconsfield over its work to rescue two trapped miners.
Todd Russell and Brant Webb have been trapped in the gold mine in northern Tasmania since April the 25th following a rock fall that claimed the life of their colleague, Larry Knight.
Mr Howard has ruled out a visit to the township for now, saying it would be inappropriate, but he says the rescue effort is an inspiring example of Australian mateship.
And he says everyone deserves credit: "It's just been terrific to see the way that community has worked together - the mayor, the churches, the union leaders, all of them have come together. The emergency workers and most importantly, those that have actually gone down and dug through to try and rescue their mates".
Latest reports indicate it could take all day for rescuers to prepare to drill the remaining vertical shaft at an angle, to finally create a path to freedom for the two miners.