On 14 November 2022, the towns of Eugowra, Molong, Cudal and Canowindra were impacted by significant rainfall, leading to widespread flooding across the area.
Thousands of residents in the area were rescued or evacuated. Emergency services carried out over 100 rooftop rescues in Eugowra alone. More than 700 residents were evacuated and 200 homes were severely impacted.
Since these devastating floods, the Australian Government has worked closely with the independent National Emergency Medal Committee (NEM Committee). Ensuring those who supported affected communities receive appropriate recognition.
In March 2024 the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister asked the NEM Committee to consider additional flood events associated with the 2022 flood emergency.
The NEM Committee has recommended to the Australian Government that frontline emergency responders who assisted during the November 2022 flood in Central West New South Wales be recognised with the National Emergency Medal. This recognition extends to volunteers and community support workers who also assisted.
On 21 August 2026, His Majesty The King's approved amendments to the National Emergency Medal Regulations 2011 were uploaded to the Federal Register of Legislation. These regulations extend the period in which an emergency can be declared nationally significant from three to six years.
Today, the Prime Minister has written to Her Excellency the Governor-General recommending that she declare the November 2022 flooding events in Central West New South Wales as a nationally-significant emergency for the purposes of the National Emergency Medal.
The medal is an operational service medal recognising significant or sustained service to others in response to declared nationally significant emergencies in Australia.
Ensuring responders who assisted in the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Cowra and Parkes Local Government Areas between 14 November 2022 and 27 November 2022 will have the opportunity to be recognised with the medal. Once a declaration is made, eligible organisations can apply online.
Information on the National Emergency Medal is available on the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General website at National Emergency Medal.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman
"Australia’s brave frontline responders, volunteers and community support workers deserve recognition for their support of their communities.
"The flooding in Central West New South Wales in 2022 was devastating for the region, but many people rose to the occasion in service of their community.
"Whether they were a first responder, a volunteer, or neighbours helping neighbours, they went out of their way to help their fellow Australians in need.
"The declaration of the National Emergency Medal for this event will ensure there is long-lasting, formal recognition for our local heroes.
"I encourage anyone with friends, family or colleagues who made an outstanding contribution in this event to nominate them on the Governor-General’s website."