The Solidarity Medal from Timor-Leste is a prestigious award that expresses appreciation and acknowledges the efforts of international military and civilian individuals in promoting peace, stability, and progress in Timor-Leste. Read more..
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is a prestigious foreign military award presented by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in recognition of the outstanding service of foreign military personnel and civilians who contributed to the stabilisation, peacekeeping, and development of the nation. Instituted in 2009 at the direction of the Timorese Government, this medal stands as an enduring symbol of gratitude to those who played a vital role in establishing and maintaining peace, security, and stability in Timor-Leste during and after its hard-won struggle for independence.
Following an offer by His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the Australian Government has accepted an extension to the medal's eligibility criteria. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who completed a minimum of 30 days of service on mandated missions in Timor-Leste since June 1999 are now eligible to receive this award. This includes:
Purchasing and wearing the medal:
The medal is struck as a circular, gold-coloured medallion of distinguished appearance. The obverse prominently features the Coat of Arms of Timor-Leste, encircled by the inscription "REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE TIMOR-LESTE" (Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste). The reverse bears the words "MEDALHA DA SOLIDARIEDADE" (Solidarity Medal), elegantly framed within a laurel wreath — a timeless symbol of victory and achievement.
The medal ribbon features bold alternating stripes of red, yellow, black, and white, each colour carrying deep symbolic meaning:
| Colour | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Red | The struggle for independence and the sacrifices of the Timorese people |
| Yellow | The rich cultural heritage of Timor-Leste |
| Black | The resilience and strength of its people |
| White | Peace and hope for the future |
The Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal is a meaningful and lasting tribute to the dedication of those who answered the call to serve. Whether you are a veteran reflecting on your service or a serving member now eligible under the expanded criteria, this medal honours your contribution to one of the most significant peacekeeping eSPECIFICATIONS:
If you order your Timor Leste Solidarity Medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
MagnaRack® is a revolutionary magnetic system designed to make medal and ribbon mounting easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you're in the military, a veteran, part of an emergency service, or proudly wearing a loved one's medals, MagnaRack eliminates the hassle of traditional pins that damage uniforms. The system is incredibly easy to use, perfect for those with limited dexterity, and ideal for elderly users who find small pins difficult to handle.
This style uses a rigid board with the medals secured in position, combined with a magnetic strip for fastening to clothing. The magnets hold the medals in place without the need for pins, preventing fabric damage. Court mounting keeps the medals aligned and presented in a professional layout. The magnetic version provides the same appearance with the added benefit of easy on and off.
Swing mounting allows the medal to hang freely from its ribbon. In the magnetic style, the top bar contains magnets instead of a pin or brooch, attaching securely to your jacket or shirt. This gives the traditional swinging style without putting holes in fabric and allows quick attachment and removal.
Miniature court mounting is arranged on a firm backing like the full size version but in smaller scale for formal evening wear. The magnetic fitting replaces pins, protecting clothing and making it faster to put on or take off. These are often worn at dinners and functions.
Miniature swing mounting allows the medals to move freely from the ribbon, with magnets in the top bar for fastening. This avoids damage to uniforms and is convenient for events where full size medals are not required.
A ribbon bar is a compact way to wear medal ribbons in the correct order of precedence. The magnetic back lets the bar attach to your uniform without pins, keeping the fabric intact. This is a practical choice for daily wear when full medals are not needed.