The National Medal: A prestigious Australian honour recognising the tireless devotion and loyalty of law enforcement, emergency, and volunteer personnel. A powerful emblem of their priceless commitment to protecting the community. Read more..
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.
SPECIFICATIONS:If you order your National 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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
MagnaRack® is a revolutionary magnetic system designed to make medal and ribbon mounting easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you're in the military, a veteran, part of an emergency service, or proudly wearing a loved one's medals, MagnaRack eliminates the hassle of traditional pins that damage uniforms. The system is incredibly easy to use, perfect for those with limited dexterity, and ideal for elderly users who find small pins difficult to handle.
This style uses a rigid board with the medals secured in position, combined with a magnetic strip for fastening to clothing. The magnets hold the medals in place without the need for pins, preventing fabric damage. Court mounting keeps the medals aligned and presented in a professional layout. The magnetic version provides the same appearance with the added benefit of easy on and off.
Swing mounting allows the medal to hang freely from its ribbon. In the magnetic style, the top bar contains magnets instead of a pin or brooch, attaching securely to your jacket or shirt. This gives the traditional swinging style without putting holes in fabric and allows quick attachment and removal.
Miniature court mounting is arranged on a firm backing like the full size version but in smaller scale for formal evening wear. The magnetic fitting replaces pins, protecting clothing and making it faster to put on or take off. These are often worn at dinners and functions.
Miniature swing mounting allows the medals to move freely from the ribbon, with magnets in the top bar for fastening. This avoids damage to uniforms and is convenient for events where full size medals are not required.
A ribbon bar is a compact way to wear medal ribbons in the correct order of precedence. The magnetic back lets the bar attach to your uniform without pins, keeping the fabric intact. This is a practical choice for daily wear when full medals are not needed.
I orded this medal to replace mine that went missing in the post. I had received it for over twenty years service with NSW Corrective Services. the other two medals in the package were okay but this one had fallen out of envelope, which was not secure enough.
Item arrived quickly and in excellent condition, workmanship is spot on
I orded this medal to replace mine that went missing in the post. I had received it for over twenty years service with NSW Corrective Services. the other two medals in the package were okay but this one had fallen out of envelope, which was not secure enough.
Item arrived quickly and in excellent condition, workmanship is spot on
excellent efficient service and delivery
