History
The Victoria State Emergency Service is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake and landslide across Victoria, and the operator of the largest road crash rescue network in Australia, a mission carried overwhelmingly by volunteers: more than five thousand of them, over ninety percent of the service's people, in a lineage running from the Civil Defence Organisation of 1950 to the VICSES of 1975 onward. The VICSES Long Service Medal is how the service marks their staying: awarded at ten years of service, presented at the annual regional long service ceremonies.
The recognition keeps pace after that: clasps follow at the five year milestones, fifteen, twenty, twenty five and onward, with the service's ceremonies recording clasps at thirty five years and members honoured at fifty, while five years of service earns a pin below the medal. Founding members of the 1970s still serve, and their racks carry the whole arithmetic.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The service 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 VICSES issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Clasps
Continued service is recognised by clasps at each further five year milestone.
Clasp (each further 5 years)
Clasps are presented at the five year milestones beyond the qualifying decade, at fifteen, twenty, twenty five years and onward, worn on the ribbon of the medal.
Eligibility
The medal recognises long service with the Victoria State Emergency Service.
- It is awarded at ten years of service, with five years of service recognised by a pin;
- Clasps mark the five year milestones beyond the medal, at fifteen, twenty, twenty five years and onward;
- 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 VICSES Long Service Medal awarded for?
Ten years of service with the Victoria State Emergency Service, with clasps at each further five year milestone and a pin recognising five years.
What does VICSES do?
It is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake and landslide in Victoria, and operates the largest road crash rescue network in Australia, with volunteers making up more than ninety percent of its people.
How long can the clasps run?
The service's ceremonies have presented clasps at thirty five years and honoured members at fifty, including founding members from the 1970s still serving.
Does VICSES service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of diligent service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system, presented at the same ceremonies.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the service's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.