Tyrol honours volunteers with 209 state awards

Tyrol marked the Hohe Frauentag with an awards ceremony at Innsbruck’s Imperial Palace, ORF reported. The state presented 140 medals of merit, 46 crosses of merit and 23 life-saving medals, while 14 families received the honorary title Erbhof.

The day traditionally focuses on thanks and recognition. Tyrol has declared 2026 the Year of Volunteering to highlight people who support others through voluntary work.

Tyrol Governor Anton Mattle and South Tyrol Governor Arno Kompatscher thanked volunteers for their commitment. Mattle said they contributed “far more” than expected and described their work as a central pillar of the state. Kompatscher said their contribution strengthened social cohesion and made society more liveable.

Cross of merit is Tyrol’s third-highest honour

Forty-six people received the Cross of Merit and 140 received the state’s Medal of Merit. According to the state, the recipients had made outstanding contributions to Tyrol and its people.

The Cross of Merit is Tyrol’s third-highest honour, after the Ring of Honour and the Badge of Honour. The bronze-gilt Medal of Merit was awarded to people who had supported the public good through years of voluntary work and exceptional commitment.

Among those honoured were Anna Maria Tovmasov of Zams for expanding childcare in the Landeck district; Monika Rauchberger of Innsbruck for supporting people with learning difficulties; and Nicole Hosp of Bichlbach for her work as a Tyrolean ambassador and as patron of the RHEUMALIS rheumatism initiative.

Other recipients were recognised for contributions to education, social services, culture, agriculture, tourism, firefighting, science, healthcare, municipal infrastructure and inclusion.

Tags: Tyrol, volunteering, awards