The Significance of the Australian Bravery System and How to Nominate

Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community who selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.

Bravery or courage differs from fortitude in a crisis situation. Bravery is a deliberate choice to go from a place of safety to danger or remain in a perilous position to provide help.

The Cross of Valour is the highest bravery decoration. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril. The Cross of Valour has been awarded five times since 1975.

Australian Bravery Decorations date from the establishment of the Australian honours system in February 1975. The Group Bravery Citation was added in 1990.

The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community.

There are four levels of decoration:

* Cross of Valour (CV)
* Star of Courage (SC)
* Bravery Medal (BM)
* Commendation for Brave Conduct

Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community.

Anyone may nominate any other person for a bravery decoration.

The nomination may be for a brave act by an Australian citizen in Australia or overseas. A citizen of another country carrying out a brave act in Australia may also be nominated.

The Honours Secretariat at Government House researches the nominations. The Australian Bravery Decorations Council then considers them.

The Council has fourteen members including representatives of each state and territory, two ex-officio members and four community members appointed by the Governor-General.

The Australian Bravery Decorations Council makes recommendations for awards to the Governor-General and the Council also recommends the level of awards.

There is no set timeframe for announcing bravery awards. Generally there are two announcements a year. Click here to go to the It's an Honour Website to download a nomination form.

Completed nomination forms for the Australian Bravery Decorations should be sent to:

The Secretary
Australian Bravery Decorations Council
Government House
CANBERRA, ACT 2600

Bravery and Galantary Decorations are announced in Special Notices Gazettes on the Governor General's Website. Click here to visit the Special Notice Gazettes Page.

Click Here to dowload the Australian Honours Medal Chart

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