Deborah-Lee Furness is no stranger to the limelight but being named a finalist for Australian of the Year has her all shy.
The actress, director and adoption campaigner is one of eight Australians up for the prestigious title to be announced on Australia Day eve.
Furness has spent years fighting to change adoption rules and allow millions of desperate children to have families.
After establishing National Adoption Awareness week in 2008, Furness has worked with world leaders to push awareness for what she calls a global crisis.
But despite being used to media and flashing lights, Ms Furness is bashful about the nomination.
"I'm still processing it, it's so surreal," she told AAP.
"I kind of feel shy about it because it's a huge honour."
Furness, who has two adopted children with husband Hugh Jackman, started speaking out after hearing time and again it was too difficult to adopt in Australia.
She hopes her campaign one day goes global to break down cultural barriers of adoption.
"There are millions of children that need family, if we are not going to step up, who is?" she said.
Furness is up against another woman fighting on behalf of children, along with other victims of domestic violence, Rosie Batty.
Ms Batty's life changed almost a year ago when her 11-year-old son Luke was murdered by his father at a cricket ground in Melbourne.
Since then she has dedicated herself to fighting domestic violence and pushing the message that "everybody needs to change".
"Everyone needs to recognise that as a parent you bring little children into this world and as a parent you influence how they become as adults," she told AAP.
"That's what needs to change."
Last year's Australian of the Year, AFL star Adam Goodes will hand over the title at a ceremony at Parliament House on Sunday.
The Sydney Swan has spent his year campaigning for indigenous constitutional recognition, White Ribbon and Racism Stops with Me.
He's been blown away by the support from communities, schools and students.
"It's just very humbling that our teachers and our parents out there are having these conversations with our children at such a young age," he told AAP.
"In the community we all should still be looking at each other as equals, because there's no doubt on the football field that's what we are."
The eight finalists were congratulated, along with finalists from the young and senior categories of Australian of the Year, at a reception hosted by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove on Saturday.
"When we see you and know your story we are in awe of you," Sir Peter told them.
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