The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. It is the second highest Australian Bravery Decoration.
About the award
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. They selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. There are five levels of decoration:
Cross of Valour (CV)
Star of Courage (SC)
Bravery Medal (BM)
Commendation for Brave Conduct, and
Group Bravery Citation.
Medal design
The Star of Courage is a silver, ribbed star with seven points ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse has the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms surmounted by a Federation Star. A suspender bar is engraved with the words For Courage.
The medal ribbon
The ribbon is blood-red with a central magenta band.
How it is awarded
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 the interest of Australia may also be nominated. Bravery decorations may be made posthumously. Nominations are considered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, which makes recommendations to the Governor-General. The Council also recommends the level of awards.
There is no set timeframe for announcing bravery awards. Generally there are two each year in April and August.
NUMBER AWARDED:
123 as at June 2005
