Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who offered his congratulations to all recipients.

"We are fortunate as a community and as a nation to benefit from your contribution," the Governor-General said. "You now join the company of men and women whose actions have enriched our community and whose values we hold dear."

This year’s highest award for bravery and has been presented to just one Australian, but for Lyndy Nerandzic, her late husband’s posthumous Star of Courage is a bittersweet honour.

Lowering the craft to a safe height, the 52-year-old ordered his three passengers to jump from the gondola knowing that the loss of ballast would send the airship shooting into the sky. As the blimp ascended, it took just seconds for the balloon to be engulfed by flames, the gondola and its pilot then crashing to the ground. 

A group of 10 paramedics worked with professionals including psychologists and dieticians to ensure they were best communicating with the pair. They stayed underground while the blaster worked away at freeing the men and each paramedic worked 16-hour shifts with just 24 hours off to recuperate.

The 10-strong group of paramedics all have been honoured, The Examiner reports. 

Alison Smith, the mother of the man he saved, nominated the Daisy Hill father-of-two for the award.

“I’ve lost three sons before, and I thought I was going to lose my last son,” Ms Smith said. “He’s a true hero in my eyes.”

Mr Anderson entered the burning Berthong Street home in an attempt to save the occupant trapped inside, but was forced to retreat due to the intense heat.