Outgoing Australian of the Year David Morrison has reflected on his tumultuous year as he prepares to pass on the mantle.
The former chief of army said he felt like something of an impostor standing among those nominated for the nation's top gong, praising the work each were doing to shape Australia's future.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute, in my imperfect way, to that future," he told finalists at a luncheon in Canberra.
"Prosper mightily because when you do, so do we all."
Mr Morrison said staggering levels of domestic violence, an unconscionable gender pay gap and various discriminations persisted a year after he received the honour.
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"But my conclusion after this personally tumultuous year is that we are making progress," he said.
"It's never fast or far reaching enough, but it is being made."
Mr Morrison said it was not rhetoric nor bumper stickers that made Australia great.
"Rather it is the unseen, quiet heroic work of millions of our fellow citizens who, seeking no recognition with what they do, provide the glue to hold out social fabric together."
He acknowledged the accolade was not without its critics, having drawn sustained fire himself throughout his tenure.
"But I think it is one of the ways we, as citizens of this great country, can for a moment or hopefully longer focus on what makes us who we are."
The 2017 Australian of the Year will be announced in Canberra on Wednesday evening.
