A new medal recognising the contribution of the 12,000 WWII veterans still living in Australia has been just been released and veterans can apply for one.

The new commemorative medallions come with a certificate of commemoration and are being released in the lead up to August 15 - the date marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of the Second World War.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Federal Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) produced the medallions to recognise the service of so many “remarkable veterans in our community”.

“There are 12,000 World War II veterans still alive in Australia,” Mr Hogan said. “Each of these men and women have incredible stories that should be acknowledged and commemorated.

“While we can never repay the debt, we owe almost one million Australians who served, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can thank living veterans.”

The medallions feature the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, a wording of appreciation and the names theatres of war that saw the significant involvement of Australian Armed Forces.

The medallion reverse design utilises the poppy as the central symbol surrounded by the wording of ‘Australia Remembers’ and the beginning and end years of the Second World War.

Veterans will also receive a certificate in a folder that will allow for independent display, framing and mounting.

Applications are now available and can be made through the DVA website at https://portal.nationalmailing.com.au/DVA/certificate or for those without access to the internet, by phone on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).