History

The Commissioner’s Valour Award was added to the independent honours system of New South Wales in the early 1990s. It is the New South Wales’ primary award for bravery. The Award is conferred upon members of the Australian Police Force in who demonstrate outstanding bravery even when there is a clear risk to their own lives.

The medal is a silver cross that features the logo of the NSW Police Force, an eagle with the Cross of St. George above its head. The inscription ‘NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FOR BRAVERY’ surrounds the logo. The medal is attached to a ribbon with a straight bar suspender. The ribbon is light blue, with dark blue edges, and thin white stripes near the edges.

The medal is awarded may be awarded posthumously. Recipients are entitled to use the postnominal letters ‘V.A.’

If a recipient receives the award again, it is in the form of a silver clasp that is attached to the ribbon. A silver star is worn on an undress riband.