National Emergency Medal (NEM)

National Emergency Medal (NEM)

This medal is always awarded with a clasp. Please add the required clasp to your cart. 

The National Emergency Medal is an Australian decoration awarded to recognize the service of those who have significantly contributed to the response during nationally significant emergencies, such as natural disasters or other emergencies that have serious consequences for the Australian community. This medal acknowledges the selfless dedication and efforts of emergency responders, volunteers, and support personnel who have demonstrated sustained service or made significant contributions during such events.

Eligibility

The NEM is awarded to individuals who rendered qualifying service - at least 5 days - in response to a nationally significant emergency. Individuals who rendered service in the recovery phase, or served outside the date ranges outlined in the determinations, are not eligible for this medal.

Clasps

The NEM is always awarded with a clasp to denote where the medal was earned. The following clasps have been issued:

• VIC FIRES 09
• QLD 2010-11
• TC DEBBIE 2017
• NTH QLD 2019
• BUSHFIRES 19-20

Design

The medal is made of brushed nickel-silver and features a stylised design of a flowering wattle tree, representing the sacrifices made by Australians in service of others during a crisis. The reverse of the medal continues on the wattle flowers, with the circular engraving "FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS IN A NATIONAL EMERGENCY". The centre of the back is blank, traditionally engraved with the recipients name.

Ribbon

The ribbon showcases seven vertical gold stripes - representing the states and territories of Australia - on a base of eucalyptus green.

The National Emergency Medal honors the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made by those who have played a significant role in responding to nationally significant emergencies in Australia, showcasing the nation's appreciation for their service and commitment to the well-being of the community.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

National Emergency Medal (NEM) Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

National Emergency Medal (NEM) Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

National Emergency Medal (NEM) Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

National Emergency Medal (NEM) Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

National Emergency Medal (NEM) Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.