A mother who died protecting her pregnant daughter from an horrific stabbing attack at a West Australian hairdressing salon has been honoured with Australia's highest civilian bravery award.
Angela Ferullo, who will receive a posthumous Star of Courage for protecting her daughter, Selina Bello, at her Como salon in June 2013, receives one of 77 bravery decorations bestowed by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Christina King, who negotiated with bandits in Papua New Guinea after they attacked a group of trekkers in 2013, was the only other person to receive the Star of Courage this year.
The top awards, announced on Monday, recognise actions of "conspicuous courage".
They will join more than 40,000 former recipients whose actions have upheld the values of professionalism, compassion, dedication, generosity and tolerance, Sir Peter said in a statement.
"Sadly, there are those whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us. Today, to their families, I express the nation's sadness at your loss, but pride in your loved one's actions."
Ms Ferullo's awarded actions involved throwing herself over her daughter as she was being stabbed by her former partner.
The attacker then dragged Ms Ferullo towards the front of the store and repeatedly stabbed her, before leaving the shop. Ms Ferullo later died of her injuries.
Ms Bello told AAP she was moved to tears on hearing the news of her late mother's award, which would be something she could show her 16-month-old son, Emilio, when he got older.
"I can show it to him and explain to him just how special his nanna was, it's a token of what she did so we could be here," Ms Bello said.
"She sacrificed her life to save us and for me nothing will ever compare to that.
"We're so grateful that she has been recognised for what she has done, we see it as the ultimate sacrifice."
A customer at the salon at the time of the attack, Peggy Alexander Kew, is also receiving a bravery medal for trying to rescue the mother and daughter.
Twenty-six people were awarded the Bravery Medal this year for acts including rescuing others from shark attacks, vehicle fires, floods and protecting people from attacks.
This year's awards also includes 36 Commendation for Brave Conduct and 13 Group Bravery Citations.
Just five Cross of Valour awards and 145 Star of Courage awards have been given out since the Australian Bravery Awards were established in 1975.
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