Award nominees live to help others: PM

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australia Day award nominees have all helped make Australia a better place.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott poses with the various Australian of the Year finalists at Parliament House in Canberra.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott poses with the various Australian of the Year finalists at Parliament House in Canberra.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott reckons all 32 Australian of the Year contenders are worthy winners, and all would do Australia proud.

The finalists in all four categories find out who will be awarded the top honours later on Sunday on the lawn in front of Parliament House ahead of a celebratory concert.

Among the eight nominated for Australian of the Year, is Victoria's Rosie Batty who came under the public spotlight 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.

NSW's Deborra-Lee Furness - actor, director and adoption campaigner - has spent years fighting to change adoption rules and allow millions of desperate children to have families.

She is married to actor Hugh Jackman.

Meeting the finalists at a morning tea on Sunday, Mr Abbott told them they were all worthy, and none were people who liked to be put on a pedestal.

"You represent Australia and Australians at their best," the prime minister said.

The awards were a reminder that so many people were making Australia stronger, fairer, more prosperous and more free, he said.

"Some of you have inspired us, others have challenged, all of you have amazed us.

"You are proof that there is no limit to what Australians can achieve."

Later at a lunch they will hear from last year's Australian of the Year, AFL star Adam Goodes, who has spent his year campaigning for indigenous constitutional recognition, White Ribbon and Racism Stops with Me.

The main event will get under way at 5pm (AEDT), with a tribute to the centenary of ANZAC before the Australian of the Year 2015 is expected to be announced about 6.30pm.

The four categories comprise Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero.


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