History
The custodial service of New South Wales is the country's oldest continuous public duty, running from the garrisons of 1788 through the Prisons Department to Corrective Services NSW, and its Long Service Medal marks the careers that sustain it: awarded for a cumulative service of ten years or more with consistent good conduct, to current and former members alike. Clasps carry the recognition onward as the years accumulate, a fifteen year clasp among them.
The medal has worn more than one face across the decades: collectors' records document an earlier oval pattern whose reverse honoured twenty years of service, while the current circular issue bears the crowned emblem of the Corrective Services with a wreath at its foot, on a navy blue ribbon with two silver stripes. On the racks of long careers it closes the corrections suite, after the Exemplary Conduct Cross, Bravery Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The current issue is a circular medal with a plain suspension bar, its obverse bearing the crowned emblem of the Corrective Services with a wreath at the foot, and its reverse a laurel branch beside the service inscription. An earlier documented pattern was a bronze oval bearing the state coat of arms within the service's name, its reverse honouring twenty years of service.
The ribbon
Navy blue with two silver stripes.
The ribbon is navy blue with two silver stripes.
Clasps
Continued service beyond the qualifying decade is recognised by clasps worn on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The medal recognises the long term commitment of members of the NSW Corrective Services.
- Current and former members are eligible who have completed a cumulative service of ten years or more with consistent good conduct;
- Clasps recognise continued service beyond the qualifying decade, a fifteen year clasp among them, with the applicable intervals held by the service;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Corrective services awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the 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 NSW Corrective Services Long Service Medal awarded for?
A cumulative service of ten years or more with the NSW Corrective Services, with consistent good conduct, open to current and former members.
How are longer careers recognised?
By clasps on the ribbon, a fifteen year clasp among them; the service holds the applicable intervals.
Why do older medals look different?
Collectors' records document an earlier oval pattern whose reverse honoured twenty years of service; the current circular issue bears the crowned corrections emblem. Racks should match the pattern to the era of the service.
How does it relate to the national long service awards?
It runs alongside them: the National Medal at fifteen years is a national honour, while this is the service's own award.
Where does it sit among the corrections awards?
Fourth, closing the suite after the Exemplary Conduct Cross, Bravery Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.