Who we celebrate
Ordinary people, extraordinary courage
The people in these pages are not solely emergency response personnel/people. For the most part, they are passers by, neighbours, colleagues and strangers who saw someone in danger and decided to act. Some of them were injured. Some very nearly did not come back. Some sadly made the ultimate sacrifice with their own life.
Stories
This year’s award winners
Each year the Society’s directors consider nominations from across Australia. In 2026, 56 recipients across 5 states are receiving awards from their respective state Governor. Here is a snapshot of the people recognised in 2026.
Latest Clarke Medal Recipient
“I didn't feel any fear at the time ... all I knew [was] that this young girl was crying for help.”
The 2024 Clarke Gold Medal winner
How we support people
The RHSA Relief Fund
An act of bravery can have a long tail. A rescuer may be hurt, unable to work, or left with costs they did not choose. The Relief Fund provides financial assistance to award recipients, or their dependants, who have experienced financial hardship as a result of their act of bravery.
The Relief Fund is supported entirely by donations and bequests.