THE Royal Australian Mint has today, October 29, launched a coloured $2 commemorative coin honouring Australia’s firefighters, following the release of a circulating coin of the same design.

The new coin design includes a stylised representation of two firefighters standing back-to-back, with a coloured fire ball in the centre. The figure on the right is shown as masculine and the figure on the left as feminine, as a symbol of the diversity within Australia’s firefighting ranks.

Royal Australian Mint’s general manager, Mark Cartwright announced that $125,000 from the sale of the coins will go to fire and emergency service organisations across the country.

“The Mint is immensely aware of the bravery and sacrifice that goes into being a firefighter. Providing some financial benefit back to the firefighting community is a tangible way for us to assist these critical organisations to prepare for the summer ahead.

“We should not forget that it was less than 12 months ago that large parts of Australia was on fire. Our firefighters – both career and voluntary – courageously combated the extreme conditions to keep us safe,” he said, praising Australia’s 170,000 plus firefighters for their bravery and dedication.

Acting chief officer from the ACT Rural Fire Service, Rohan Scott said, “Volunteering is a strong part of the Australian culture, looking after and assisting your fellow neighbour. After a very long, protracted fire season, to have volunteer firefighters’ amazing efforts recognised…will mean a lot to all volunteers past and present around the country”.

Stuart Ellis, CEO of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council, who partnered with the Mint on this project, said, “Firefighters nationally are honoured to be acknowledged in this way and appreciate the support of the communities in doing their job”.

The Australia’s Firefighters 2020 $2 ‘C’ Mintmark colour uncirculated coin is available in a limited mintage of 40,000 and the 2020 $2 colour circulating coin is also available for purchase. Both coins are Australian legal tender.

To coincide with the launch of the coins, a number of photographs and objects, including firefighter uniforms, burnt coins from the 2003 Canberra bushfire, and a number of coins and medallions made by the Royal Australian Mint, will be on display.

Royal Australian Mint, November 3 to January 28.