Australian Defence Medal

Serving and Past Serving Reservists make certain you check out our Parade Locations page to find out where you can march on Reserve Forces Day 2007, an ideal time to give your new medal its first outing.  Also make certain to get Reserve Forces Day Memorabilia at discounted prices.

Australia will recognise the service of more than one million current and former Defence Force personnel with the Australian Defence Medal (ADM), Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson, announced on 30 March 2006.

“Her Majesty the Queen has approved the official regulations and design for the award that aims to recognise current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Regular and Reserve personnel, and volunteer and National Servicemen, who have served since the end of World War II,” Mr Billson said.

“The Australian Government is committed to recognising the outstanding contribution to our proud military history made by Australian men and women in uniform.

“After extensive consultation with veterans’ organisations and the wider community, the government has decided to broaden the eligibility criteria to include former ADF members who completed their initial enlistment period, or four years service, whichever is the lesser,” Mr Billson said.

“The criteria also recognises National Servicemen and those who could not serve the four-year qualifying period because of the ADF’s workplace and enlistment policies of the time.

“The expanded criteria also includes those who die in service or are medically discharged due to permanent injury and unable to reach four years or complete their initial period of enlistment,” Mr Billson said.

“Although creating any new medal is an extensive process which includes consultation, design and testing, Royal approval and manufacturing, the medal is an important tribute to those who have given so much for our country.

“Presentation ceremonies by senior military officers and Federal parliamentarians are expected to commence in mid-2006 as the medals become available. I encourage all those eligible to submit applications and supporting evidence as soon as possible to receive the recognition they deserve,” Mr Billson said.

We have the application form available for downloading, completion and despatch.  Click Here.  Please despatch the completed form to the address indicated thereon.

Heraldic design details of the medal are that the Scarlet and Black represent the poppy flower (the black being the centre of the poppy) of the the WWI battle fields of Flanders and representing the ANZAC tradition of service, the white stripes represent peace time service and it is divided into three segments by the two white stripes to signify RAN, ARMY and RAAF.

Medals are being despatched in the order of receipt of applications.

Ex-servicemen and Women in the Newcastle / Hunter Valley region with questions about their eligibility for the Australian Defence Medal should contact  Fred Goode JP, the Hunter Region Liaison Officer, New Medal Group for further information. Email .

Please note that the Reserve Forces Day Council cannot assist with obtaining certificates of service, the official number to call is:  1800 111 321, however, this is known to be overburdened with calls.  If you lack a certificate of service, we recommend you apply providing what you know of your service.  There will be a delay as the details are checked and eligibility established, but it is not likely to be longer than that you will experience in obtaining your service record.