'Established in 1902 by King Edward VII to acknowledge distinguished service in cultural activities - art, music, drama, music and literature. May also be awarded to senior officers of the armed services for exceptionally distinguished service in wartime. The Order consists of the Sovereign and up to 24 members in a single class and includes a Civil and a Military division. The ribbon is 51mm wide of two equal stripes of blue and crimson.'
Source: It's an Honour website, www.itsanhonour.gov.au (sighted 13/10/10)
