History
Some careers outlast the departments they serve. The NSW Service Medallion, commonly called the 40 Year Service Medallion, is New South Wales' recognition of them: awarded to employees who have completed forty or more years of meritorious service for the NSW Government, with excellent conduct demonstrated throughout. Eligible service spans the whole government sector under the Government Sector Employment Act, from the Public Service and its agencies to State Owned Corporations and full time members of administrative tribunals.
The medallion may be awarded only once to each recipient, and it is presented by the Premier of New South Wales, a Minister of State, or a person the Premier authorises, at ceremonies held once or twice a year. A prior honour changes nothing: an Australian or Imperial award, or an agency's own long service recognition, does not affect eligibility, which is why a forty year corrections officer's group can carry the Corrective Services suite, the national medals and this medallion together.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Premier's Department does not publish a formal design description for the medallion; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current NSW Government issue.
The medallion is a presentation piece; where mounted, the pattern supplied is the current issue.
Eligibility
The medallion recognises employees who have completed forty or more years of meritorious service for the NSW Government.
- Both the length of service and excellent conduct throughout must be demonstrated, with a detailed employment history provided; eligible service covers the government sector under the Government Sector Employment Act, including State Owned Corporations and full time tribunal members;
- The medallion may be awarded only once, is presented by the Premier or a Minister at ceremonies held once or twice a year, and processing can take up to twelve months from nomination; Australian citizenship is not required;
- Prior honours, Australian, Imperial or agency long service awards, do not affect eligibility.
Order of wear
The NSW Service Medallion is a whole of government award outside the Australian honours system, presented rather than gazetted for wear. Where mounted it sits apart from the official awards, and on corrections racks it is grouped after the Corrective Services NSW suite. Practice should be confirmed with the Premier's Department.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NSW Service Medallion awarded for?
Forty or more years of meritorious service for the NSW Government, with excellent conduct demonstrated throughout the career. It is commonly called the 40 Year Service Medallion.
Whose service counts?
Service across the government sector under the Government Sector Employment Act: the Public Service and its agencies, State Owned Corporations, and full time members of administrative tribunals.
Can it be awarded more than once?
No. The medallion may be awarded only once to each recipient.
Do other awards affect eligibility?
No. An Australian or Imperial honour, or an agency's own long service recognition, does not affect eligibility for the medallion.
Who presents it?
The Premier of New South Wales, a Minister of State, or a person authorised by the Premier, at ceremonies held once or twice a year; processing can take up to twelve months.
Is it a corrections award?
No, it is a whole of government award; it appears here because corrections careers so often reach the forty year mark, and on those racks it follows the Corrective Services NSW suite.