The outgoing Young Australian Of The Year has urged his successor to celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes in the wider community.
Akram Azimi rallied this year's eight national finalists at a luncheon on Friday, calling on them to celebrate the work of selfless Australians.
"This is an opportunity to shine a light on people who don't normally get the recognition they deserve, for example, folks in countless charities who day in, day out, put in the effort for the most vulnerable in our society," he told AAP later.
The Afghan refugee was named 2013 Young Australian Of The Year for his work mentoring young indigenous Australians and primary school students in Western Australia.
Over the year, Mr Azimi used his title to raise awareness about poverty and polio eradication, among other issues.
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He advised his successor - who will be named in a ceremony in Canberra on Saturday - to make the most of the media opportunities the award presented.
"This is more than just an award. It is actually an invitation into the lives of so many Australians to share something about them and celebrate the good.
"I realised pretty early on this wasn't about me, but these larger stories that had an expression in my life."
Mr Azimi said he was impressed by the calibre of this year's finalists.
"They're so bright, so passionate about their area. There's an extraordinary degree of selflessness among them."
