To be considered for the award, the candidate must have provided outstanding service to Australia’s Antarctic Program.
The candidate must have:
- spent at least 12 months in the Antarctic (this may be accumulated, for example, over several summers – it is not necessary to have wintered)
- made a significant, unique contribution to the Australian Antarctic Program – simply carrying out the prescribed duties of his or her position, or completing the required research, no matter how well is, by itself, insufficient unless there are circumstances of unforeseen and very considerable hazard or difficulty
- demonstrated commendable work attitudes and value as a member of the expedition, station group, or field party
The award may, in exceptional circumstances, be nominated for all members of a field team where all have contributed notably to the achievement which it is desired to commend.
As a guide to what the Committee considers is encompassed by ‘outstanding’, it is seen as being a combination of commitment, contribution, performance, persistence and ‘going the extra mile’.
The Committee does not see the Australian Antarctic Medal as a ‘long service award’.
Nominations for the Medal should be timely and relevant and should be made at, or soon after the time of outstanding service. As a guide, no more than 5 years should lapse between the service for which recognition is sought and the submission of the nomination.
Under no circumstances should the candidate be aware that they are being nominated for the award.
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) may undertake further research into the candidate and may contact other people familiar with the candidate’s work.
Nominations are not restricted to Australian citizens and the Medal may be awarded posthumously.
Download the nomination form Word and forward your completed version to the AAD Antarctic Medal Committee Secretary at antarctic.medal@aad.gov.au or GPO Box 3090, Canberra City, ACT 2601.