History
Policing takes a toll, and every force depends on the people who carry their colleagues through it: the peer supporters, welfare officers, chaplains and quiet workmates who notice, step in and stay. The AFP Welfare Services Medal recognises individuals who have provided a significant contribution to the welfare of and assistance to colleagues, and its design says exactly that, two cupped hands supporting the AFP badge.
The medal is one of the Commissioner's Awards, granted at the discretion of the AFP Commissioner, and unusually among the force's honours more than one may be awarded in a calendar year: care, unlike valour, is not rationed. Awards are announced through the AFP honours lists in May and October.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is antique silver, with two cupped hands supporting the AFP badge beneath the Crown of Saint Edward. The reverse carries a wreath of wattle.
The ribbon
Purple, white and light blue.
The ribbon has stripes of purple, white and light blue.
Eligibility
The medal recognises individuals who have provided a significant contribution to the welfare of and assistance to colleagues.
- It is awarded at the discretion of the AFP Commissioner, with multiple medals able to be awarded in a calendar year;
- Awards are announced through the AFP honours lists in May and October;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
AFP internal and jurisdiction awards sit outside the national honours system. On AFP uniform they are worn after all the awards in the Australian Order of Wearing, in the sequence set by the AFP's own wear guide, with jurisdiction and foreign force awards following the internal awards. The force's dress instructions govern the details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AFP Welfare Services Medal awarded for?
A significant contribution to the welfare of and assistance to colleagues within the AFP.
Who typically receives it?
The people who carry the force's wellbeing: peer supporters, welfare and support staff, and members whose care for their colleagues has gone well beyond the ordinary.
How is it awarded?
At the discretion of the AFP Commissioner, as one of the Commissioner's Awards, with announcements through the honours lists in May and October. More than one may be awarded in a calendar year.
What does the design mean?
The two cupped hands supporting the AFP badge represent exactly what the medal honours: holding up the force itself.
Where is it worn?
Among the AFP internal awards, after the Conspicuous Conduct medal and before the Partnership Medal, with all internal awards worn after the national honours.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.