What is the Eureka Australia Day Medal? For years I’ve been disgusted by the types of people who receive honours on Australia (Invasion) Day and yuck – the Queen’s Birthday. If I was really honest I can’t imagine two worse days for people to be honoured in this country, but that’s another topic. I’m not saying all Australians who are honoured on those days shouldn’t receive those honours, what I am saying is the usual suspects seem to receive the highest honours year after year after year – retired politicians, business people, celebrities etc etc. Enough to make you puke, if you could be bothered.
In 2005 I was instrumental in establishing the Eureka Australia Day Medal. Since then over 70 Australians whose life reflects the sentiments outlined in the Eureka oath – “We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties”, whose name would NEVER appear in the traditional honours list have been acknowledged for the work they have done to improve the lives of people in our community.
Grass roots activists who have laboured for decades, in many cases ostracised by their community and in some cases disowned by their families for putting so much time, effort, resources and money to improve the lives of others. These people exist all over Australia. Some have died, their efforts not recognised, many are now elderly and in poor health, others have paid a significant personal price for initiating the struggle for change.
Nominations are now open for the 2017 Eureka Australia Day Medal. Why “Australia Day”? Because we think the 3rd December, Eureka Day, should be Australia Day. Every year we honour 6 to 9 Australians for their efforts. If you know someone who should be recognised for their efforts, please nominate them now.
Nominations close 10th November 2017. The Eureka Australia Day Medals are presented at Bakery Hill, Ballarat at 10:00am on Eureka Day, 3rd December at the site the Eureka Oath was first sworn.
The nominations process is relatively easy and straight forward. Nominations must be in writing. You can email them to info@pibci.net or you can send them to PO Box 20, Parkville VIC 3052.
You need to send in the name of the person nominated, the reason(s) you have nominated them (one or two paragraphs) and a contact postal address or email for them.
Nominees have to be born or living in Australia. They do not need to be Australian citizens, they can have permanent residence, be refugees living in Australia or be on a temporary protection visa. People born in Australia who are living overseas can also be nominated.
Nominations are strictly confidential, the person nominated does not know who nominated them.
Put your thinking caps on, if you know someone who should be honoured with a Eureka Australia Day Medal, send in your nomination today – stop thinking about it, do it now.
Dr. Joseph Toscano / www.pibci.net / info@pibci.net