Finalists from across the country gathered at a meet-and-greet lunch at the National Portrait Gallery to listen to some final encouragement and meet their competition.

The crowd was addressed by last year's winner Akram Azimi, an Afghan refugee who is a dedicated mentor to young indigenous people. With passion and pride he spoke of the responsibility behind the prestigious title.

He said being the Young Australian of the Year was more than an award but an "invitation into the lives of so many Australians".

"These awards ask us to stop and look a little bit deeper," he said. "By the end of the year you will see yourself with new eyes, let that experience fill you".

National Australia Day Council chief executive Jeremy Lasek said for 50 years the awards had recognised outstanding Australians who had made a difference to the community.

He congratulated the finalists for still ''shining a light'' on inspirational achievements.

Mr Lasek said Saturday would be a big day for the finalists so the opportunity to relax with each other before the celebrations was important.

"It is great to have the young Australians here to meet each other and get to know a little bit about each other," he said. ''Perhaps even check out the competition''.

Our very own ACT finalist, Huy Nguyen, who is nominated for his work in the disability sector, said winning the Young Australian of the Year award would give people with disabilities inspiration to make life better for themselves.

''It is an opportunity to share my story,'' he said.

''Hopefully my story will create an impact for other people with disabilities.''

Mr Nguyen is the founder of Enable Canberra, an online resource which helps people access needs to plan their visit to the capital's national institutions.

The awards for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero will be presented in front of Parliament House on Saturday at 6pm.