Nominations for the Centenary Medal were made by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. An independent council assessed the nominations put forward. A total of 15, 838 medals were issued. These included close to 1,400 medals awarded to Australian centenarians.

The Centenary Medal was awarded to:

General list – people who served Australia, for example community volunteers, and those whose achievements in science, research or the arts made a notable impact at a national or international level. Centenarians - Australians who lived through our first century of federation. That is, those Australian citizens born on or before 31 December 1901 and who lived to celebrate the centenary of federation on 1 January 2001. Government and judicial officer holders – to celebrate the Australian system of government. Each recipient received a personalised warrant accompanying his or her medal. The award does not carry post-nominal entitlements.

Medal design

Centenary Medal - front and back Designed by Balarinji, Sydney, the medal features a seven-pointed Commonwealth Star representing the six Australian states, with the seventh point representing Australia's territories. At the centre of the star is an Indigenous styling of Aboriginal traditions at the heart of the continent. Around the rim are 100 dots depicting 100 years of federation.

Medal Ribbon

The colours in the ribbon are crimson, which represents federation, and blue and gold for the beginning of the 21st century. The seven gold and red lines signify the states’ pathways to federation.

* Awarded the National Medal for combined 15 years long service withe the Armed Forces and the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services in 2003.

The Governor-General awards the National Medal. Nominations are made by the chief officer of the nominee’s organisation. The chief officer of each approved organisation also administers the medal for that organisation. If you consider you are eligible for the National Medal contact your chief officer. The award recognises long service in approved organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members. Many, but not all, eligible groups are uniformed. Fifteen years’ service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional ten years’ service.

Medal design

The National Medal is a circular bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms in a recessed circle. The rim of the medal carries the inscription ‘The National Medal’. The back of the medal is plain. The medal was designed by Mr Stuart Devlin AO CMG.

Medal ribbon The 32 millimetre-wide ribbon features 15 alternating gold and blue vertical stripes.

* Awarded the Australian Defence Medal in 2007 for time served with the Australian Defence force.

The Australian Defence Medal is a circular medal comprised of cupro-nickel. The obverse features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with a sprig of wattle with the top outer edge inscribed with the words ‘The Australian Defence Medal’. The reverse is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward and includes the words ‘For Service’, surrounded by a wreath of wattle.

Medal Ribbon

The ribbon colours include the black and red colour of the Flanders poppy and two white stripes to divide the red into three segments to denote the three services of the Australian Defence Force.

* Awarded the Long Service medal for 15 years service in 2005.