This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours system, which was established in 1975 to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Australians in diverse and wide-ranging fields. Awards include the Emergency Services Medal, Australian Sports Medal, Bravery Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Nursing Service Cross, Order of Australia Medal, and many more.

While some award recipients are household names, the vast majority are unsung heroes. The common characteristics shared by recipients are their selflessness and their tireless commitment to work in their chosen fields, where they have gone above and beyond to achieve positive change and improvements for the community.

The anniversary is a chance to reflect on the extraordinary Australians that have been celebrated in the first five decades and think about the next 50 years of the Australian Honours system. The stories of recipients remind us that care, kindness, and respect are what matter most to all Australians. Collectively, their achievements are the story of who we are and the nation we are becoming.

This exhibition showcases a selection of medals, artworks, photographs and audiovisual footage that tell the story of 50 years of the Australian Honours Awards and highlights the achievements of some of the ACT’s Honours Awards recipients.