History
The Northern Territory Emergency Service traces its line to Darwin's air raid wardens of 1940, but its true birth certificate is dated 1 January 1975, one week after Severe Tropical Cyclone Tracy destroyed most of Darwin and killed 66 people on Christmas Day 1974: the new service's first job was rebuilding its own city. Fifty years on, NTES volunteer units across the Territory answer floods, storms, cyclones and searches, in some remote communities operating jointly with the fire service as combined Fire and Emergency Response Groups.
The service marks its volunteers' years in five year steps, with medals and certificates presented through the NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit, which administers recognition across the Territory's tri-service family of police, fire and emergency service. The unit holds the current qualifying conditions, and the same years also build toward the National Medal at fifteen within the Australian system.
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 NT Emergency Service issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises volunteer service with the Northern Territory Emergency Service.
- The service marks volunteer years in five year steps, with medals and certificates presented through the NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit, which holds the current qualifying conditions;
- NTES service also counts toward the National Medal at fifteen years within the Australian honours system;
- 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 NT Emergency Service Volunteer Medal awarded for?
Volunteer service with the Northern Territory Emergency Service, recognised in five year steps through medals and certificates administered by the NTPFES Medals and Awards Unit, which holds the current qualifying conditions.
What does the NTES do?
Its volunteer units respond to floods, storms, cyclones and searches across the Territory, in some remote communities operating jointly with fire volunteers as combined Fire and Emergency Response Groups.
Why does Cyclone Tracy matter to the service?
The NTES's official birth date is 1 January 1975, one week after Tracy destroyed most of Darwin; the disaster shaped the service and Australian emergency management with it.
Does NTES service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of diligent service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
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.