Soldier from the 12th/40th Royal Tasmanian Regiment clear debris from a home on Kangaroo Island that burnt down in the bushfires. Photo by Lance Corporal Brodie Cross.

Replacements for medals lost in bushfires

31/01/2020 Posted by Brian Hartigan 1477 Views 0 Comments Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20

Medals that have been lost or damaged in the bushfires across Australia may be replaced under the Defence Honours and Awards Replacement Medal Policy.

CAPTION: Soldier from the 12th/40th Royal Tasmanian Regiment clear debris from a home on Kangaroo Island that burnt down in the bushfires. Photo by Lance Corporal Brodie Cross.

RELATED STORIES: Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said that while there was a long road ahead for communities recovering from the bushfires, replacing lost medals was a small step towards recovery.

“Current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force are entitled to one replacement set of medals,” Mr Chester said.

“We know that this is a small piece of the recovery effort, but it is important.

“Holders of a deceased family member’s medals are also entitled to receive one replacement set, provided that replacements have not already been issued.

“Even if you do not know exactly what medals were lost or damaged, as long as you have the original recipient’s full name and date of birth, Defence can fulfil the request,” Mr Chester said.

Replacement medals cannot be issued if any compensation for their loss or damage has already been received via insurance claims.

Replica medals may be purchased from a range of sources such as coin and medal dealers.

To apply for replacement medals, visit www.defence.gov.au/medals and complete the Defence Medals Online Application Form, selecting Replacement Medals as the application type.