How to Nominate for Australian Bravery Decorations

The Australian Honours and Awards system, administered by the Honours and Awards Secretariat on behalf of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, recognises the outstanding service and contributions of Australians.

Australian Bravery Decorations recognise people who, without thought of personal risk, displayed courage and bravery to protect or defend 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

There is also the Group Bravery Citation, an award for a group of people involved in a single incident.

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 nominate someone for a bravery award.

Bravery and Gallantry Decorations are announced by the Governor General in the Australian Honours Lists. Click here to view the lists.