In 2007 the Australian Philatelic Federation launched a competition for a new design for its national exhibition medal.   The previous medal had been in place for some years and many exhibitors were keen to see a new and fresh design chosen when stocks of the old medal eventually ran out.

The design brief was to come up with an innovative design but which took into account the following:

• The design should represent Australia in some way;
• The design should include the words "Australian Philatelic Federation";
• The design must allow for an insert (as this is how different medal levels are indicated); 
• The design must include an area suitable for engraving; 
• The design does NOT necessarily need to be round;  and
• The design and form needs to be easily reproducible as it will be used over a number of years.

The selected design features a striking lyrebird on the front surrounded by the words "Australian Philatelic Federation National Exhibition".   The insert (whose color signifies the actual award level attained) forms part of the rear of the medal with sufficient space in the bottom half of the medal for the awardee's name.

The new medals were presented for the first time at Canberra Stampshow 2008.

    
 New APF National Exhibition Medal

  
Previous Medal Design