Skip to main content

The Australian National Emergency Medal

Overview

The Australian National Emergency Medal with clasp 'BUSHFIRES 19-20' recognises sustained or significant service during the intense 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season known as the ‘Black Summer.’  This medal and clasp has been awarded to over 200 New Zealanders, including personnel from NZDF, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.

Description

The medal is circular in shape and bronze in colour. The obverse depicts a central image of a golden wattle branch, surrounded by a ring of flowering wattle, representing the accomplishments and sacrifices made in the service of others in times of crisis. The reverse repeats the ring of flowering wattle, and details the award and the recipient.

The ribbon is eucalyptus green with seven vertical gold bands. The eucalyptus green complements the symbolism of the medal design while the gold symbolises the Australian sun, optimism, and hope. The seven gold bands represent Australia’s six states, with the seventh representing the territories.

Eligibility

New Zealanders who were deployed at the direction of the New Zealand Government for five days or more, either consecutive or aggregated, with Op BUSHFIRE ASSIST/Op VULCAN from late 2019 to early 2020.

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this medal

    In the New Zealand Order of Wear, the Australian National Emergency Medal with BUSHFIRES 19-20 Clasp is to be worn as a “Commonwealth Award”, after the New Zealand Defence Service Medal and the Service Medal of the Order of St John. If a person wears the INTERFET Medal, the Australian National Emergency Medal will be worn after the INTERFET Medal.

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  Since service during the Australian Bushfire season is recognised by the Australian National Emergency Medal with BUSHFIRES 19-20 clasp, The ADF Chief of Defence Force Group Commendation Operation Bushfire Assist 2019-2020 is not permitted for wear on NZDF uniform.  New Zealand practice and policy is that two forms of recognition from a single foreign country for the same activity will not normally be permitted for wear on NZDF uniforms.  

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Applying for this medal

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.

    If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record