Please sign and SHARE if you believe we should formally thank our volunteers for their effort during the 2022 Floods in Eastern Australia.

As Australians who were deeply moved by the selfless efforts of the volunteers from various organisations including State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Services, Surf Lifesavers, Marine Rescue, St John's Ambulance and others during the devastating 2022 floods in Eastern Australia, we are calling for their recognition. These brave individuals risked their lives and worked tirelessly to protect life and property amidst a disaster that caused numerous deaths and enormous damage.

The courage displayed by these volunteers during one of Australia's most challenging times is undeniably deserving of national recognition. The flood events spanned from March through to October, from Queensland to Tasmania, and led to insured losses of around $7.5 billion (Insurance Council of Australia). Of course, many homes that were damaged or destroyed were not insured, so the actual damage bill is significantly higher than that. More than 35 people died as a result of the flooding, including at least one SES volunteer working to help others.

The National Emergency Medal is an honour that recognises significant service during a nationally significant emergency. However, to consider these volunteers for this medal, it requires the Governor-General to declare that the 2022 floods were nationally significant. This declaration can only occur on recommendation of the Minister who acts on advice from the National Emergency Medal Committee.

Time is of essence, as the regulations require a declaration within three years of an event. We are therefore calling upon all relevant authorities involved in this process - The Governor-General, The Minister and The National Emergency Medal Committee - to take swift action.

Let us not lose this opportunity to honour our heroes who stepped up when we needed them most. Please sign this petition urging these authorities to recognize our flood volunteers with a National Emergency Medal before it's too late.

Therefore, we urge the Minister (The Hon Patrick Gorman MP) and the Chairman of the National Emergency Medal Committee (Mr Shane Fitzsimmons AO AFSM) to recognise this disaster as nationally significant so our heroes can be considered for what they rightfully deserve - The National Emergency Medal.

Please sign this petition if you believe in acknowledging our volunteers for their bravery and hard work.

Dani, Paul and Peter