why was he awarded?
For the rescue of a coalition forces interpreter from heavy fire in Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan.
Victoria Cross for Australia
The first medal was awarded on 16 January 2009 to Trooper Mark Donaldson, for the rescue of a coalition forces interpreter from heavy fire in Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan. 
what is victoria cross for australia? Highest award in the Australian Honours System. why is this awarded? "decoration for according recognition to persons who in the presence of the enemy, perform acts of the most conspicuous gallantry.." who instituted it? Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia who were some of its recipients? Keith Payne and Trooper Mark Donaldson, to name some. who is the queen of australia married to? Philip, Duke of Edinburgh where does she reside? Buckingham Palace. what other titles does she hold? Sovereign of many orders in her own countries, Duke of Normandy and Lord of Mann, etc. what is the public perception about her? UNANSWERABLE when did the latter recipient you mentioned receive the award? 16 January 2009
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Victoria Cross for Australia [SEP] Introduction
Donaldson's award came almost 40 years after Warrant Officer Keith Payne became the last Australian to be awarded the (original) Victoria Cross for gallantry on 24 May 1969 during the Vietnam War. Unlike the original Victoria Cross where the announcement of the award is followed some time later by the presentation of the award, the announcement and presentation of all awards of the VC for Australia have occurred on the same occasion with the presentation being made by the Governor-General in the presence of the Prime Minister. Both VC for Australia and original Victoria Cross recipients are entitled to the Victoria Cross allowance under the "Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986".