VC recipient urges kids to give back

Money doesn't matter in life - unless it comes in the form of meaningful coins.

That was the message Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith left with Canberra students on Monday.

He lectured a group of 40 pupils at Telopea Park School about the importance of giving back to their country and the legacy of Australians who served at war.

That legacy is being commemorated in a series of coins from the Royal Australian Mint's Anzac centenary coin program, for which Corporal Roberts-Smith is ambassador.

The soldier urged the children to follow in the footsteps of Australians who fought for the nation's freedom in so many battles, and to serve their community.

"One question that you should always ask yourself before (anything is) how you want to be seen at the end of your life," Corporal Roberts-Smith said.

"Cancer patients rarely say, `I had a lot of money'.

"If you have an opportunity to help those around you, always take it."