Remember sacrifice and bravery: G-G

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove wants Australians to spare a thought for the brave men and women who set sail for war 100 years ago.

A century ago, Australia was a newly-formed federation with little sense of national identity.

"So when tens of thousands of our young men and women set sail for a war that would become the deadliest in our history, they could not have imagined that their sacrifices would reveal the spirit, values and ideals that have exemplified Australia ever since," he said on Sunday.

At the Australian of the Year 2015 ceremony in Canberra, the governor-general told the crowd outside Parliament House that the honour, courage, bravery and humility displayed on battlefields had become the stuff of legend.

In the face of adversity and even death, these young Australians illuminated the spirit of a newborn nation, a spirit which could now be seen in the deeds and actions of Australians every day.

"And so now, let's take a moment to reflect on those brave men and women, who through their actions one hundred years ago, displayed values we are all now proud to consider part of our Australian way of life," he said.

Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Mark Donaldson said every generation since those original Anzacs had been inspired by their example and built on their legacy.

As Australia progressed and prospered, we have become the nation our forebears would have wanted us to be, he said.

Yet Australians helping their mates, the sporting champions, the brave men and women of the defence force, the volunteers and emergency services personnel, didn't see themselves as heroes, Cpl Donaldson said.

"Tonight, we get the chance to pay tribute to the heroes that are around us every day, and take a moment as a nation to recognise those people who go above and beyond, who achieve excellence, who help others, and who inspire us all."