National Medal

National Medal

The National Medal (NM), is an Australian award recognizing the long and diligent service of personnel in recognized government and voluntary organizations that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in law enforcement or during emergencies or natural disasters. The medal acknowledges the commitment and dedication of personnel serving in these essential roles under challenging and dangerous conditions.

Eligibility

The criteria for the National Medal have changed numerous times since its establishment, however it has always required 15 years of service to qualify. In 1982 it was replaced for members of the ADF with the Defence Force Service Awards (DFSM, RFM, RFD). Current eligible organisations include the Police Force, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Corrective Services. If a permanent or part-time member of the ADF has served in some capacity with one of these organisations, they are also eligible for the NM.

Clasps 

The National Medal clasps are awarded for every additional 10 years after the initial award of the medal. The clasp is attached to the ribbon above the medal with the full size and miniatures, and represented by a dot on the ribbon bar. If you would like to purchase a clasp for your medals please click here: National Medal Clasp. National Medal Dot for Ribbon Bar.

Design

The National Medal is a circular, bronze medallion featuring the Australian Coat of Arms on the obverse, with the words "THE NATIONAL MEDAL: FOR SERVICE" inscribed on the rim. The reverse is blank, traditionally engraved with the recipients details.

Ribbon

The accompanying ribbon features 15 alternating stripes of blue and yellow-gold. These were Australia's national colours at the time of establishment.

The National Medal is a symbol of the service and dedication of Australian personnel in law enforcement, emergency, and volunteer organizations. It is a testament to their commitment in the face of danger and challenging circumstances, reminding us of their invaluable role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Australian 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 Medal 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 Medal 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 Medal 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 Medal 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 Medal 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.