History
In December 2000 the United Nations declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers, a resolution endorsed and co-sponsored by sixty countries including Australia, to recognise and encourage the work of volunteers around the world. To mark the year, this commemorative medal was struck to honour those who give their service to the community without reward.
It is a commemorative medal rather than an official award of the Australian honours system. Like other commemoratives, it is not part of the Australian Order of Wearing, and is worn, if at all, on the right breast, apart from official awards.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is a commemorative issue marking the International Year of Volunteers. Its detailed design should be confirmed from the medal supplier before publication.
The ribbon
Light blue and orange, for the United Nations year of volunteers.
The ribbon carries light blue, the internationally recognised colour of the United Nations, and orange, the colour adopted for the International Year of Volunteers.
Eligibility
The medal commemorates the United Nations International Year of Volunteers in 2001.
- It honours those who give volunteer service to their community;
- It is a commemorative medal, not an official award of the Australian honours system;
- It is not part of the Australian Order of Wearing, and is worn, if at all, on the right breast, apart from official awards.
Order of wear
This is an unofficial commemorative medal, not part of the Australian honours system or its Order of Wearing. By long-standing convention commemorative medals, if worn at all, are worn on the right breast, and not among the official awards on the left.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2001 International Year of the Volunteer Medal?
A commemorative medal struck to mark the United Nations International Year of Volunteers in 2001, honouring those who serve their community as volunteers.
Who declared the year of volunteers?
The United Nations, by a resolution of December 2000, endorsed and co-sponsored by sixty countries including Australia.
Is it an official award?
No. It is a commemorative medal, not part of the Australian honours system or its Order of Wearing.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
Light blue is the internationally recognised colour of the United Nations, and orange the colour adopted for the International Year of Volunteers.
How is it worn?
As an unofficial commemorative it is worn, if at all, on the right breast, apart from official awards.
Who is it for?
Those who give volunteer service to their community.