The National Medal was established by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1975 as one of the original elements of the distinctive Australian system of honours and awards. The medal recognises long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. The National Medal is available to Surf Life Saving Australia volunteers and lifeguards who are eligible and proficient with a minimum of 30 patrol hours each season, who have completed a minimum period of 15 full seasons, from 18th September 1986.
Essential Criteria
This award recognises the long service (completed minimum 15 full seasons) of members of SLSA as:
- Patrol members
- Operational Members of Emergency Response Groups
- Jet/Offshore Rescue Boat Crew
- Jet/Offshore Rescue Boat Drivers
- Jet/Offshore Rescue Boat Skippers
- Rescue Helicopter Pilots
- Rescue Helicopter Aircrew
- Lifeguards (paid)
Patrol Members for the purposes of approval will be active members (including Reserve Active and Long Service) and lifeguards of Surf Life Saving Australia who:
- Meet the requirements of the annual proficiency test for SLSA Bronze Medallion for each season of eligible service; and
- Have completed a minimum of 30 patrol hours / lifeguarding for each season, who have completed a minimum period of 15 full seasons. Water safety hours do not count towards rostered beach patrol hours.
- SLSA patrol hours are counted from 18 September 1986. This is the commencement date for calculating eligible service at SLSA as outlined by the Commonwealth of Australia for National Medals.
Service by a member of SLSA as a Cadet member or Junior Activities member will not be recognised as eligible service for the medal.
Years of service in another approved organisation may be aggregated with service to SLSA in line with the medal guidelines.
Classifications
A person who has been awarded the national medal may be awarded a clasp to the medal for each 10-year period of service beyond the original 15 seasons.
Nomination Guidelines
- This application may be lodged by either the member, or the member’s current club/service via the SLSA Members Area Using ‘Forms’
- Information can be found at the National Medal website (https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/its-honour/nationalmedal).
Award prize: Medallion and/or Clasp
Award sponsor: Governor General of Australia
Presentation of award: Club level
Date of circulation: Ongoing
Closing date: 30 March and 30 August
Submitted to: SLSA
Note: This award is processed at a national level.
Information sourced from https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/SLSA-Rewards-and-Recognition-Framework.pdf September 2021 Version
