The Australian Bravery Decorations are our
own pre-eminent awards for the recognition
of acts of bravery. Since the establishment of
the Australian honours system in 1975 these
awards have recognised acts of bravery by
people whose selfless actions put themselves
in jeopardy to protect the lives or property
of others.
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Cross of Valour
• Star of Courage
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Bravery Medal
The group award is known as the Group
Bravery Citation. It shall be awarded for a
collective act of bravery, by a group of
persons in extraordinary circumstances,
that is considered worthy of recognition.
Australian Bravery
Decorations
NOMINATION FORM
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Commendation for Brave Conduct
Particular features of the Australian
bravery awards are:
Awards may be made posthumously and
presented to the next of kin.
The brave act does not need to occur in
Australia, provided it is considered
worthy of recognition by Australia and in
Australia's interest.
Who can be nominated?
Australian Citizens
A person who is a citizen of another
country and who carries out an act
that may be considered worthy of
recognition by Australia and in
Australia's interest.
Members of Australia's armed forces
who carry out an act in times of peace,
or of war (where the act was carried
out in circumstances other than in
actions against the enemy).
Service personnel from other countries,
whether in Australia or overseas.
What is Bravery?
Brave acts usually involve a deliberate
choice to go from a place of safety to danger
or remain in a perilous situation to provide
help to another. Acts involving the
preservation of life, (for example, first aid)
while admirable, may not be considered
brave.
Confidentiality
All nominations are strictly confidential
and the information provided will be
used only to assist the Council in
considering the merits of the nomination.
The Australian Honours and Awards
Secretariat keeps all nominations
confidential to respect privacy and to
avoid disappointment if an award is not
made. We ask for the cooperation of
nominators and others involved in
respecting this policy.
Who may make a nomination?
Anyone may make a nomination by
completing the nomination form.
Nominations are assessed by the
Australian Bravery Decorations Council,
which is an independent advisory body
consisting of fourteen members including
representatives of each state and territory,
two ex-officio members and four
community members. The Council meets
twice a year to consider all nominations
and make recommendations to the
Governor-General for awards.
How are nominations assessed/decided?
Further information on the Australian Bravery Decorations can be found at www.gg.gov.au
alternatively you can telephone, e-mail or write to the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat:
Phone (02) 6283 3604 Facsimile (02) 6283 3620 Email honours@gg.gov.au
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There are four levels of awards for
individuals, as well as an award to recognise
the bravery of a group of people involved in
a single incident. The awards, commencing
with the highest, are: