[1] The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community.

Recipients of the Bravery Medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BM".

The Federation Star is above the shield, which is contained in a circular zig-zag border.

[1] The ribbon is 32 mm wide and has 15 alternating stripes of blood-red and magenta representing the colours of venous and arterial blood.

[1] As of November 2016, the Australian Government "It's an Honour" database contains 1,240 entries of people who have been awarded the medal.