Sometimes, life’s most precious treasures turn up in the most unexpected places—like, say, a pile of rubbish at your local tip! That’s exactly what happened to Tim, a sharp-eyed heavy machinery operator at the Gatton landfill in southeast Queensland, who recently made a discovery that’s warmed hearts across the country.

While shifting through the usual mountain of discarded odds and ends, Tim noticed something that didn’t quite belong: a mysterious, unassuming box peeking out from the debris. Driven by curiosity (and perhaps a bit of that classic Aussie intuition), he decided to take a closer look. Inside, he found not just one but four war medals—each a symbol of service, sacrifice, and history.


The medals, later identified as the Australian Service Medal, Defence Force Service Medal, Gulf War Medal, and Australian Defence Medal, are not only valuable to collectors (often fetching upwards of $100 each) but are priceless to the families and individuals who earned them. These medals represent years of dedication, courage and the stories of those who served our country.


Queensland Premier David Crisafulli was so moved by the story that he shared it online, posting a photo of Tim and the medals and praising the worker’s honesty and quick thinking. 'This story was too good not to share,' the Premier wrote. 'We’re pleased to report that the council has already returned the medals to their rightful owner. You’re a legend, Tim!'


The medals have since been reunited with their owner’s family, sparking a wave of gratitude and relief from the community. Dozens of Aussies chimed in online, expressing their thanks that the medals were found and returned. 'Thank goodness someone saw them and is now going to get back to the family,' one commenter wrote. Another added, 'How lucky that Tim spotted those! Fantastic to hear they are back to their owner.'

Of course, the story also left many wondering: how did such precious items end up at the tip in the first place? Some speculated that the medals may have been tucked away for safekeeping by their owner, only to be accidentally discarded during a house clean-out after the person passed away. It’s a sobering reminder of how easily family heirlooms and important mementos can be lost in the shuffle of life.

For those who might ever find themselves in a similar situation—stumbling across medals or other military memorabilia—several helpful tips emerged from the community. Many suggested contacting your local RSL (Returned and Services League) or the Australian War Memorial. Both organisations have processes in place to care for lost or abandoned medals and can often help track down their rightful owners.


This heartwarming tale is a timely reminder of the value of vigilance, honesty, and community spirit. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding family treasures and sharing their stories with the next generation. If you have medals or other keepsakes tucked away, perhaps now’s a good time to check they’re safe—and to let your loved ones know where to find them.
Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden treasure or helped reunite a lost item with its owner? Or maybe you have a family story about war medals or other precious mementos? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below!