History
When the floodwater rises or the roof comes off, New South Wales calls its State Emergency Service, and the SES calls its volunteers. The NSW SES Long Service Medal recognises the members who keep answering: it is awarded for a period of diligent service of five years, with further recognition at every five year service anniversary thereafter, a shorter qualifying period than most emergency services use, fitted to a volunteer workforce.
The medal anchors the SES's own honours, which also include the Commissioner's Commendation for Courage for volunteers who perform acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances, the Commissioner's Commendation for Service for exemplary contributions, and the Commissioner's Unit Citation for outstanding collective service.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The NSW SES does not publish a formal design description for the medal; the pattern supplied is the current issue, and the photographs above show its obverse and reverse.
The ribbon
The current NSW SES issue.
The ribbon follows the pattern of the current issue, shown above.
Eligibility
The medal recognises diligent service by members of the NSW State Emergency Service.
- It is awarded for a period of diligent service of five years, with further recognition at every five year service anniversary thereafter;
- The SES's wider honours include the Commissioner's Commendations for Courage and for Service and the Commissioner's Unit Citation;
- The medal sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Agency and state emergency service awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the issuing 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 SES Long Service Medal awarded for?
A period of diligent service of five years with the NSW State Emergency Service, with further recognition at every five year service anniversary after.
Why five years rather than ten?
The SES is a volunteer service, and its qualifying period reflects the sustained commitment its members give around their ordinary lives.
What else does the SES award?
The Commissioner's Commendation for Courage for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances, the Commissioner's Commendation for Service for exemplary contributions, and a unit citation for collective service.
Does SES service count toward national awards?
Yes. Fifteen years of eligible service can earn the National Medal within the Australian honours system.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with SES dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.