There's a common feeling among this year's Australian of the Year finalists.
Humbled.
Almost all eight finalists describe their nomination as a humbling experience, with some throwing in other emotions like scary, exciting, unbelievable and empowering.
The nominees, who range from a former chief of army to a "medical warrior" who worked with Ebola victims, kicked off their whirlwind tour of events in the nation's capital with a reception hosted by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.
Sir Peter welcomed the finalists for the major category, young and senior, and local hero to Government House on Sunday evening.
"The Australian of the Year awards are a way for all Australians to say to some remarkable people, thank you," he told the finalists at the reception.
"Thank you for making this great nation a better place."
Around 3000 people were nominated for the four categories, with one finalist from each state and territory selected last year.
Catherine McGregor, a cricket commentator and member of the Australian Air Force, represents Queensland for her leadership in the transgender community and promotion of diversity.
Ms McGregor went public with her transformation from male to female while working for former boss, then chief of army David Morrison, who refused to accept her resignation.
"It's sinking in now that the process has started," Ms McGregor told AAP at the reception on Sunday.
"I'm feeling a bit overawed."
Her former boss is also up for the honour, which will be revealed at a ceremony and live music event on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra on Monday evening.
Mr Morrison led a campaign to end sexism and disrespect towards women in the force and gives much of the credit for his nomination to his fellow soldiers.
"It's a reflection about the way the army and the members of the army had tackled issues around culture," Mr Morrison told AAP.
Fellow gender equality advocate and former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says she's humbled, excited and honoured to be involved in the awards.
"For me, it's about embracing equality, making sure that equality lies at the heart of the nation," she told AAP.
For Anne Carey, a nurse and midwife who flew to Sierra Leone to help control the Ebola crisis, a win on Monday would give her a platform to promote the courage to be kind.
"I think I'm part of a huge journey," she told AAP.
That sentiment was echoed by Tasmania's representative, conservationist Jane Hutchinson, who works tirelessly to save threatened species.
"It's really humbling to be here," she told AAP.
"It's enormously exciting, we all feel part of something really important and special."
National Australia Day Council chairman Ben Roberts-Smith praised the finalists for giving the gift of hope in a world of conflict.
Last year's award winner, domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty, will pass on the baton to one of the eight finalists on Monday evening.
Ms Batty has spent the past two years campaigning to end family violence after her 11-year-old son Luke was violently killed by his father at cricket training in Melbourne.
