Federal Nationals' Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold, has written to the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to request that the May 2025 East Coast floods be declared a nationally-significant emergency for the purposes of eligibility for awarding of the National Emergency Medal.
"We all know stories of the valiant actions of many in our communities during the dark days of the flood catastrophe just a few months back," Ms Penfold said.
"Many of you have contacted me requesting that their service and sacrifice receive formal recognition and acknowledgement. It's now time to move forward with this."
The National Emergency Award is available to people who rendered service with a group, agency or organisation and nominations must come from the primary service organisation.
"As I understand, the Governor General may make a declaration on the advice of the Assistant Minister. Let's hope the Minister supports this request and the GG remembers her visit to Taree in the week after the flood. I will keep you all posted," Ms Penfold said.
"For those in the community who did selfless acts of bravery outside of a formal emergency service organisation, the Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by individuals who put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
