The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (HOSM) is awarded to members of recognised charitable or humanitarian groups who provide humanitarian service under hazardous or extreme conditions in designated areas of the world.
The Australian Defence Force has had a significant involvement with relief work, and was approved as an eligible organisation for the award of the HOSM for the following events:
The central symbol is an Australian eucalyptus tree. The branches spread from the Australian land at the base of the medal to the world, which is represented by a circle. A ring of gum nuts surrounds the circle symbolising hope and life after disaster. The reverse of the medal repeats the ring of gum nuts, and details the award and recipient.
The colours of the ribbon are gold and eucalyptus green. Gold symbolises the Australian sun, optimism and hope. Eucalyptus green continues the regeneration symbolism of the medal design.
A clasp, which denotes the humanitarian operation for which the award is made, is presented with the medal.
A further award of the HOSM in another operation is recognised by the issue of an additional clasp. Additional clasps are worn above previously awarded clasps, in order of date of receipt.
The following clasps have been issued for eligible service in an Australian Defence Force operation:
The medal is awarded for service in the prescribed area with the following qualifying periods:
a. at least 7 days commencing on 26 December 2004 and ending on 8 January 2005; or
b. at least 14 days beginning on 26 December 2004 and ending on 12 February 2005; or
c. at least 7 days commencing on 28 March 2005 and ending on 18 April 2005 (for service relating to the 28 March 2005 Nias Island earthquake only).
The medal is awarded for service in the prescribed area with the following qualifying periods:
a. at least 14 days commencing on 8 October 2005 and ending on 8 November 2005; or
b. at least 30 days commencing on 8 October 2005 and ending on 31 May 2006.
Regulations
HOSM Regulations, 16 April 1999
Eligibility criteria for HOSM with clasp ‘INDIAN OCEAN’
HOSM (Indian Ocean) Regulations, 8 April 2005 Amendments to HOSM (Indian Ocean) Regulations – 2 March 2006
Eligible organisations for HOSM with clasp ‘INDIAN OCEAN’
HOSM Determination (Indian Ocean), 27 March 2007
Eligibility criteria for HOSM with clasp ‘PAKISTAN’
Instrument of Declaration – Pakistan, 22 May 2008
The HOSM is administered by the Awards and Culture Branch of the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet. Further information and application forms are available fromhere.
Web page last updated 2 July 2008