During the 1996 season of the popular television programme Home and Away, the character Pippa Ross was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her years of service as a foster carer.

Individuals are appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group. The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition. More detail is available in the Order of Australia handbook. The book includes:

澳大利亚勋章（Order of Australia）是用来表彰对国家或人类做出卓越贡献和突出服务的 澳大利亚 公民，是英国女王 伊丽莎白二世 在1975年2月14日创立的。 澳大利亚荣誉制度主要由三方面组成，一是澳大利亚勋章（The Order of Australia），二是澳大利亚英勇勋章（The Australian Bravery Decorations），三是国家奖章（The National Medal）。 [1] 澳大利亚的功勋荣誉表彰承袭 英国授勋及嘉奖制度，在1931年独立后。 开始建立自己的荣誉表彰体系，但在很长时期内实行与英 …

Most honours and awards are announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the King's Birthday holiday (June), with the exception of the bravery awards (typically announced in March and August), and the Australian Antarctic Medal (announced on 21 June), although some military medals are awarded all year round (as most are not gazetted).

In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer the highest recognition for outstanding achievement and service. There are two divisions of the Order of Australia: the Civil or General Division and the Military …

Officers (AO) - appointed for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large. Members (AM) - appointed for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group. Medals (OAM) are awarded for service worthy of particular recognition. The number appointments each calendar year is also limited.

The Order of Australia was created by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 14 February 1975. It was created to show the very best people of Australia. The award is given to notable Australian citizens who make big changes to Australia or internationally with their work. Sometimes the award is given to people who are not citizens of Australia.

Medal of the Order (OAM). How it is awarded. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens. Except for Knights and Dames, nominations for awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia come directly from the community.

Anyone can nominate an Australian citizen for an award in the Order of Australia. The nomination may come from an individual or a group. The nomination should include an outline of how the nominee has made a significant contribution to the community.

of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large. Individuals are appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group. The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) is awarded for service worthy