History
The Australian Antarctic Medal, first styled simply the Antarctic Medal, was instituted by Letters Patent in 1987 as part of the Australian honours system. It replaced the imperial Polar Medal, which until then had recognised Australian service in the Antarctic, after Australia ceased to recommend imperial honours. It is awarded by the Governor-General for outstanding service in scientific research or exploration, or in support of such work, in connection with an Australian Antarctic expedition.
In 1997 it was renamed the Australian Antarctic Medal and its recipients granted the post-nominal AAM. Except in exceptional cases, an award requires at least twelve months in Antarctic conditions south of sixty degrees south. Uniquely among Australia's meritorious awards it may be given to the same person more than once, and its recipients are announced each year in a special list on Midwinter's Day, the twenty first of June.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is an octagonal nickel-silver medal, 32 millimetres across, ensigned with a small six-sided ice-crystal device that links it to a plain suspender bar. The obverse shows the Southern Hemisphere with Australia and the Antarctic, within the inscription FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN THE ANTARCTIC. The reverse shows an expeditioner leaning into a blizzard with an ice-axe, outside Mawson's hut.
The ribbon
Snow white, edged with narrow blue stripes.
The ribbon is snow white, edged on each side with three narrow blue stripes, representing the transition of water to ice as one approaches Antarctica.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for outstanding service in connection with Australian Antarctic expeditions.
- It recognises outstanding service in scientific research or exploration, or in support of such work;
- Except in exceptional circumstances, at least twelve months' cumulative service in Antarctic conditions south of sixty degrees south is required;
- A date bar on the ribbon shows the period of service; the medal may uniquely be awarded to the same person more than once;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal AAM, and it takes its place among the meritorious awards of the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
The Australian Antarctic Medal is a meritorious service award of the Australian honours system, instituted in 1987. It is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing in the position set for it among the meritorious service medals, after Australian honours of higher precedence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Australian Antarctic Medal?
A meritorious service award of the Australian honours system, awarded for outstanding service in connection with Australian Antarctic expeditions.
What did it replace?
The imperial Polar Medal, which had recognised Australian Antarctic service until Australia ceased to recommend imperial honours.
What service does it require?
Outstanding service in research, exploration or support, generally with at least twelve months in Antarctic conditions south of sixty degrees south.
What does the medal show?
An octagonal medal with the Southern Hemisphere and the words FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN THE ANTARCTIC on the obverse, and an expeditioner outside Mawson's hut on the reverse.
Can it be awarded more than once?
Yes; uniquely among Australia's meritorious awards it may be given to the same person more than once, with an additional clasp for the second award.
What is the post-nominal?
The letters AAM.