Certificates of Appreciation

Certificates of Appreciation are a way of expressing the nation’s thanks to those who have made a contribution towards Australia’s efforts in war, conflicts and peace operations. The contributions can be as a civilian or as a member of the armed forces. For World War II, the contribution may have been in Australia or overseas. For all other conflicts the contribution must have been given overseas in the country in which the conflict occurred.

Certificates are available for service in:

World War II
British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan)
Korean War
Malayan Emergency
Indonesian Confrontation
Vietnam War
Gulf War
Peace Operations

Who can apply?

A person who made a contribution, either in the Defence forces or as a civilian, may request a certificate in respect of his or her service, or a family member or friend may nominate a person. Next of kin may nominate a deceased family member. Certificates of Appreciation are not available for service in the Boer War or World War I.

Persons who served in the Defence Reserve Forces or National Service may apply for a certificate of appreciation provided that they served in a theatre of conflict for which a certificate is available.

Application forms, which can be downloaded from the DVA Forms website, should be completed and forwarded, with supporting evidence of service, to the electorate office of the applicant’s Federal Member of Parliament.

Any civilian service on the home front, which assisted the Australian effort in World War II, qualifies for a Certificate of Appreciation

Guidelines for applicants can be downloaded from the DVA Facts website.

Evidence requirements

Evidence of contributions which are to be provided in support of an application may include:

Service record showing service during the relevant period.
Medals awarded for service in the conflicts for which a certificate is sought (or photographs of these medals) inscribed with the applicant’s name and service number on the rim.
Copy of an entry from these nominal rolls:
- World War II Nominal Roll
- Korean War Nominal Roll
- Vietnam War Nominal Roll
- Gulf War Nominal Roll

Any other relevant documentation or evidence which clearly validates the claim or, if no evidence is available, a statutory declaration attesting to the eligible service may be submitted.

Issue

The applicant’s Member of Parliament assesses the person’s eligibility and, when satisfied, presents the certificate to the person concerned, or the family in the case of a deceased person.