WHILE reading through the Australian Bravery Awards media kit, I felt an overwhelming sense of admiration and respect for each and every one of the award recipients.

Their stories are ones of bravery and courage, of heroic acts and of fearlessness. 

Of a man who rescued a boy from a flooded storm water drain and another who saved two people trapped in a burning vehicle. 

No two stories are the same, but each has a common theme - putting another's life ahead of their own in the face of danger. 

But these people don't do it because they want to be heroes. 

They do it because it's part of what makes them human. It's instinct. 

I think Australia's Governor-General Peter Cosgrove put it best when he said, "you now join the company of men and women whose values we hold dear". 

Bravery, courage - these are qualities we hold so highly in society.

That is why we strive to recognise these people with bravery awards. 

It's the least we can do. 

Although most, if not all, would squirm at being called a hero - I truly believe they are. 

So thank you, to all recipients, for giving us something to admire.