Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service
Frontline emergency responders, volunteers and community support workers involved in the February/March 2022 flood events in northern New South Wales and south east Queensland may now be eligible for the National Emergency Medal.
The Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) agreed to a recommendation from the Government that the floods be declared a nationally significant emergency for the purposes of the medal.
The medal will recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifice of those who provided sustained or significant service between 23 February and 3 March 2022 across 21 Local Government Areas in New South Wales and Queensland affected by devastating floods.
Millions of Australians were impacted-21 lives were lost, over 22,000 requests for assistance were made and over 2,000 rescues took place.
Flooding also caused significant damage to critical infrastructure and essential services (including rail, roads, power and telecommunications), commercial and residential property, the agricultural sector and numerous critical supply chains.
Since it was established in 2011 the National Emergency Medal has been awarded to more than 78,000 people for their efforts in response to nationally-significant events.
This has included the 2019-20 bushfires, 2019 North Queensland floods, Tropical Cyclone Debbie, 2010-11 Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi, and the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
Information on eligibility and how to submit an application for an individual, or on behalf of a group, agency or organisation is available at National Emergency Medal(link is external).
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman:
"Australia's brave frontline responders, volunteers and community support workers deserve recognition for their support to communities devastated by the 2022 New South Wales and Queensland floods."
"The declaration of the National Emergency Medal for this event will ensure there is long-lasting, formal recognition for our local heroes."
"I encourage anyone who feels a friend, family member or colleague made an outstanding contribution during this time to make a nomination."
"The heroism and community service expressed by these nominees encompasses what it means to be Australian and this medal is a token of Australia's appreciation."
"Since 2011 the National Emergency Medal has recognised tens of thousands of brave and selfless Australians."
"The National Emergency Medal has recognised these volunteers' contribution to supporting community during nationally-significant emergency events."
