Awards Overview

The Royal Humane Society of Australasia (RHSA) is dedicated to recognising and supporting acts of extraordinary bravery and compassion. Through our prestigious awards and the RHSA Support Fund, we honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and offer assistance to those affected by their brave actions.

Bravery Awards

Awarded for conspicuous bravery where the risk to life is extreme, this medal recognises the highest level of courage.

This medal acknowledges bravery in hazardous circumstances, recognising those who faced significant danger.

Awarded for acts of bravery involving significant risk, though not as extreme as those qualifying for the Gold or Silver Medals, this medal honours those who have shown commendable courage.

Awarded to those whose brave actions have resulted in the ultimate sacrifice, this medal serves as a profound recognition of bravery and selflessness in the face of life-threatening danger.

This award honours selfless acts of courage and compassion where the risk to life was present, though not severe.

While not a formal bravery award, a Letter of Commendation may be issued in cases where the risk to life is minimal but the actions taken are highly commendable. This recognition serves to acknowledge the bravery and significant community service demonstrated by the individual.

Major Awards

Instituted in July 1881, this medal is awarded for the most outstanding case(s) of bravery considered during the year.

Established in 1952, this trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding case of bravery by a child aged 12 years or younger.

Instituted in 1873, this is the highest award for gallantry within the Commonwealth.

RHSA Support Fund Overview

The RHSA Support Fund is designed to provide a one-time financial grant to individuals who have been formally recognised by the RHSA for their extraordinary acts of bravery and have been adversely affected as a direct result of their rescue efforts. This support is available to the awardee or, in the event of their death, their verified legal next of kin.

Eligibility: Only those who have received an RHSA award are eligible to apply. The Fund is intended for those who have suffered harm or loss due to their recognised act of bravery. Strict financial and legal criteria must be met to establish the validity of a claim.

One-Time Grant: The Fund provides a one-off financial grant. Once approved, no further applications for the same incident will be considered.

Documentation: Applicants must submit all required documentation and disclosures as requested by the RHSA Relief Fund Board.

Legal Next of Kin: In cases where the awardee has passed away, only verified legal next of kin are eligible to apply. In exceptional circumstances, the RHSA may consider dependants who are not next of kin but have a legitimate claim based on their dependency status.

Time Limit: Applications must be submitted within 12 months from the date the Society's board formally votes on the award decision for the recognised act of bravery. For more detailed information, including the full terms and conditions, please contact the RHSA directly or refer to the application form provided during the application process.

Support the RHSA Support Fund: Your generosity can help us continue to honour and support those who have selflessly put their lives at risk to save others. By donating or becoming a sponsor, you ensure that brave individuals and their families receive the financial assistance they need during difficult times. Join us in making a difference - because every act of bravery deserves recognition and support. To learn more about how you can contribute, please contact us or visit our donation page.

Wearing of Your Award

Awards are presented in a presentation case, consisting of a medal, a miniature medal, a ribbon bar and your insignia. All, by tradition, are worn on the RIGHT breast.

1. The Medal: You are encouraged to wear your medal on occasions where medals and decorations are appropriate or requested.

2. The Miniature Medal: Typically worn on social occasions, the miniature medal is best suited for evening events, complementing a business suit or dinner suit.

3. The Ribbon Bar: The ribbon bar may be worn at any time, particularly with uniforms such as those of the ADF, police, emergency services, and similar organisations. Insignia: The insignia can be worn with civilian attire to signify that you are a recipient of a Society award. We encourage you to wear your insignia on the right lapel of your jacket at all times.

4. Clasp to Medal: If an individual is awarded the same medal more than once, a clasp is presented as an additional honour.

Medal Design and Insignia

All four classes of medals, including the Clarke Medal, share the same design. The obverse features a female figure representing Australasia placing a wreath on the head of the honoured individual, with the Southern Cross and the motto "Virtute Paratum" (Bravery Rewarded). The reverse displays a wreath of laurel and eucalyptus leaves. Recipients are entitled to wear their medals or ribbons on the right breast, and uniformed service members are authorised to do so. Additionally, award recipients may wear a miniaturised metal insignia on the right lapel in everyday dress.

Support and Nominations

We encourage nominations for these prestigious awards from all sectors of the community. Whether in service, on the street, or simply in the course of everyday life, extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness deserve to be recognised. To nominate someone for an RHSA award, please visit our website for further details or email bravery@rhsa.org.au.

Through the RHSA Relief Fund, we provide assistance to those in need, ensuring that acts of bravery, compassion, and kindness are not only recognised but also supported. We encourage nominations for these prestigious awards from all sectors of the community. Whether in service, on the street, or simply in the course of everyday life, extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness deserve to be recognised.

To nominate someone for an RHSA award, please visit our website for further details or email bravery@rhsa.org.au.

Award Operations

The members of the Board, who bring a wealth of experience and voluntarily serve the Society, meet monthly, typically on the last Tuesday of the month, to review and decide on applications for awards. This process is supported by the expertise of advisory committees that provide insights and recommendations to ensure that each award decision upholds the Society's standards of integrity and fairness.

We encourage all members of the community, both individuals and organisations, to participate in recognising acts of bravery by submitting award applications. Applications may be submitted for acts of bravery by civilians or members of Police and Emergency Services. The RHSA welcomes nominations from across Australia, ensuring that acts of courage in every state and territory are duly considered.

To be considered for an award, the rescuer must have demonstrated a clear risk to their life in saving or attempting to save the lives of others. The validity of these actions is confirmed through verified statements from witnesses, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy.

The RHSA policy requires award applications to be submitted within twelve months of the incident. Exceptions may only be made if there were ongoing judicial or coronial proceedings within that twelve-month period, which directly delayed the application.

When making awards, the Board typically considers the expertise of relevant advisory committees and the relationship, if any, between the rescuer and the rescued. In cases involving members of Police and Emergency Services, awards are generally granted only if the circumstances are deemed to be beyond the call of duty. The class of award is usually determined through careful deliberation by the Board, with each director assessing the degree of risk and the specific circumstances of the incident.

Awards are presented each year at Government House in the capital cities of each state and territory. These ceremonies honour the recipients in the presence of esteemed Society Patrons. National awards, such as the Clarke Medal and Stanhope Gold Medal, are typically presented at separate ceremonies by the Senior Patron of the Society, the Governor-General. On four occasions, Her Majesty the Queen has presented the Clarke Medal and Rupert Wilks Trophy during her visits to Australia.

The RHSA’s award process, which precedes many national and state recognition practices, has long been dedicated to acknowledging acts of extraordinary bravery and service. Our awards complement national honours such as the Order of Australia, Bravery Decorations, and Emergency Services Medals, which are presented by the Governor-General. Similarly, state-specific awards recognise long service, good conduct, and acts of bravery by Police and Emergency Services.

The RHSA remains steadfast in its commitment to recognising acts of bravery and compassion and ensuring that those who risk their lives for others are honoured with the dignity they deserve. We invite the community to continue supporting our mission by nominating deserving individuals for these prestigious awards.