Replacements for medals lost or destroyed in bushfires

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The Hon Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Minister for Defence Personnel


Media contacts

Rachel Tharratt: 0419 034 302
Defence Media: (02) 6127 1999

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31 January 2020

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

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said 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. We know that this is a small piece of the recovery effort, but it is important,” Mr Chester said.

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.

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

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.

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