Thank you for listing those honours, I had never heard of the stories (except for Kim Patra who wrote a book about her experiences) and it’s inspiring to read them. Just so as not to confuse our American friends it should be pointed out that “thongs” are not what they are in the States but are in fact light, plastic, flip flop sandals, common footwear in Bali but hardly the sort of thing you’d want to be wearing when pulling people out of burning buildings.
Are those first two awards Australian replacements for the British George Cross and George Medal? If so as you rightly point out they are the equivalent of the Victoria Cross, awarded for valour beyond the call of duty the only difference being that it is courage not actually in the face of the enemy.
More or less, yes.
Until 1975, Australians received imperial honours - Honours, Orders, decorations, and medals under the same system as the United Kingdom. Australians remain eligible for such awards, and there are still many Australians who hold them, but since 1975, the Australian Honours system has been in operation, and Australians normally receive such awards in preference to British honours.
Because of its special place in history, the Victoria Cross was retained as the supreme award for valour in the presence of the enemy - technically speaking a new award 'The Victoria Cross for Australia' was created, but it is identical in all respects to the imperial VC. No VCs for Australia have yet been awarded (the last Australian to receive the VC being Warrant Officer Keith Payne in 1969).
All other imperial bravery decorations were replaced with Australian decorations.
The George Cross (GC) was replaced by the Cross of Valour (CV).
The George Medal (GM) was replaced by the Star of Courage (SC).
The Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM) was replaced the the Bravery Medal (BM).
The Queen's Commendation for Bravery was replaced by the Commendation for Brave Conduct.