History
Across regional New South Wales, when a car leaves the road or a walker goes missing, the call often goes to a VRA squad: the Volunteer Rescue Association, today operating as VRA Rescue NSW, whose community based units have been accredited for general land rescue and road crash rescue since the 1990s. Its marine units passed to Marine Rescue NSW at that service's formation in 2009; its land squads carry on, staffed entirely by volunteers.
The VRA Service Medal is the association's own recognition of that service, worn within its recognition scheme apart from the national honours. The association administers the medal's qualifying conditions, and current criteria should be confirmed with VRA Rescue NSW.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The association does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current VRA issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises service with the Volunteer Rescue Association, now VRA Rescue NSW.
- The association administers the medal's qualifying conditions; current criteria should be confirmed with VRA Rescue NSW;
- The VRA's accredited squads provide general land rescue and road crash rescue across New South Wales, with its former marine units now part of Marine Rescue NSW;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Agency and state emergency service awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the issuing agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VRA Service Medal awarded for?
Service with the Volunteer Rescue Association, now VRA Rescue NSW, whose volunteer squads provide land rescue across New South Wales. The association administers the qualifying conditions.
What does the VRA do?
Its community based squads are accredited for general land rescue and road crash rescue, particularly across regional New South Wales, and support searches and emergency operations.
What happened to the VRA's marine units?
They became part of Marine Rescue NSW at that service's formation in 2009, together with the Coastal Patrol and Coast Guard fleets.
Does VRA service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the association's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.