Emergency service medal
The Emergency Services Medal recognises distinguished service by members of emergency services across Australia, and people who are involved in emergency management, training or education. It was introduced into the Australian system of honours in 1999.
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The Governor-General awards the Emergency Services Medal on the recommendation of the responsible Commonwealth, state and territory ministers. The medal may be awarded to a person who has given distinguished service as a member of an emergency service.
It may be awarded regardless of whether the person is eligible for any other award because of their service. However, a person who has already been awarded the Emergency Services Medal, is not eligible to receive this medal again.
Each Australian emergency service organisation may award:
- One medal for every 1000 full-time members, or part of 1000, full-time members in every calendar year
- One medal for every 5000, or part of 5000 part-time, volunteer or auxiliary members
Awards are announced on Australia Day (January 26) and the Queen’s Birthday (June) each year.
Design
The central motif of the Emergency Services Medal is a raised equilateral triangle with beveled edges. This is bordered by stylised sprays of wattle.
The centre of the triangle features a raised impression of the Federation Star that is surrounded by twenty-four balls. The balls represent the twenty-four hours per day the Emergency Service is available to the community.
The medal is silver and bronze in colour and the back of the medal has the inscription ‘For Distinguished Service’.
The 32 millimeter-wide ribbon features a centre band of an orange and white checkerboard pattern, flanked on each outer edge by a royal blue band.
To learn more about Awards and Honours, please visit the Governor-Generals Office at: www.gg.gov.au (this link opens in a new browser window) or go to www.itsanhonour.gov.au