History
The Star of Courage was created on 14 February 1975 with the Australian honours system, as the second of the bravery decorations that recognise acts of bravery in other than warlike situations. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril: the person who goes into the flooded drain, the burning car, the surf beyond the flags, deliberately placing themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
Most awards have gone to civilians, with a number to service personnel for incidents on and off duty. Anyone may nominate any other person; nominations are researched by the Honours Secretariat at Government House and considered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, with announcements generally made twice a year.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Star of Courage is a silver seven pointed star, each axis 50 millimetres, ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward in silver. The obverse bears the shield and crest of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, with the seven points of the star carrying a raised textured finish. The reverse is textured, and the silver suspender bar, inscribed FOR COURAGE on the obverse, is left clear on the reverse for the recipient's name.
The ribbon
Blood-red with a central magenta band, the star worn small on the ribbon bar.
The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, blood-red with a central magenta band of 14 millimetres: the reverse arrangement of the Cross of Valour's colours, representing venous and arterial blood. When the ribbon alone is worn, a small representation of the star sits at its centre.
Clasps
A further act of courage at the same level is recognised by a bar worn on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The decoration is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril.
- Anyone may nominate any other person; the Council considers the nominations and recommends both the awards and their level;
- Australian citizens are eligible for acts in Australia or overseas, and non-citizens for acts in Australia or acts overseas in the interest of Australia; awards may be made posthumously and presented to the next of kin;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal SC. Members of the Defence Force are eligible for acts in circumstances other than action against an enemy.
Order of wear
The decoration is worn among the gallantry and bravery decorations, interleaved with the Imperial awards of equivalent standing. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Star of Courage awarded for?
Acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. It is the second of the Australian bravery decorations, between the Cross of Valour and the Bravery Medal.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone. Australian citizens for acts in Australia or overseas, and non-citizens for acts in Australia or acts overseas in the interest of Australia. Awards may be made posthumously.
Can service personnel receive it?
Yes, for acts of bravery in circumstances other than action against an enemy. A number of awards have been made to service personnel for incidents both on and off duty.
How are awards decided?
Nominations are researched by the Honours Secretariat at Government House and considered by the Australian Bravery Decorations Council, a fourteen member body that recommends awards and their level directly to the Governor-General, with announcements generally twice a year.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
The blood-red and magenta represent the colours of arterial and venous blood, the shared symbolism of all the Australian bravery decorations.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes: SC, with and Bar for a further award.