when did the latter recipient you mentioned receive the award?
16 January 2009
Victoria Cross for Australia
The first medal was awarded on 16 January 2009 to Trooper Mark Donaldson,
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
wiki:16349688
Victoria Cross for Australia [SEP] Introduction
The decoration may be awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force and to other persons determined by the Australian Minister for Defence. A person to whom the Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded is entitled to the post nominals VC placed after the person's name. The Governor-General of Australia awards the Victoria Cross for Australia, with the approval of the Sovereign, on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence. 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.