The Australian nurse who ran into danger to help other victims of the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attack has been posthumously honoured with one of the nation's highest bravery awards for her act of extreme heroism.

Key points: Kirsty Boden was killed during the attack in central London

Kirsty Boden was killed during the attack in central London The Loxton nurse was at a restaurant when the attack began and rushed to help others

The Loxton nurse was at a restaurant when the attack began and rushed to help others Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has paid tribute to her and others honoured for bravery

Kirsty Boden was killed in the attack carried out by terrorists inspired by Islamic State on the night of June 3, 2017, and became known as "the angel of London Bridge" in its aftermath.

She is today being posthumously honoured with a Bravery Medal as part of the Australian Bravery Decorations.

The 28-year-old, who was from Loxton in South Australia's Riverland, was having dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant when the attack began.

The perpetrators drove a van along the pavement and rammed pedestrians, before stabbing others near Borough Market, leaving eight people dead.

"Without hesitation, Ms Boden, who was working as a nurse at Guy's Hospital, told her friends that she was going to see if anyone was injured," her award citation stated.

"She quickly left the table, running in the direction of the bridge. Moments later, the area turned to a scene of mass chaos and panic as people began screaming and running from the bridge into Borough Market.

"[Her friends] located her on the pavement about 50 metres away from the restaurant. She had been attacked and severely wounded by terrorists who had been in the van, and a police officer was performing CPR on her."

Ms Boden was one of two Australian victims of the attack — 21-year-old Brisbane woman Sara Zelenak was also killed.

The Australian Bravery Decorations are part of the nation's official honours system, which was established in 1975.

Governor-General expresses sadness but pride

Ms Boden is one of 101 Australians to be bestowed with bravery awards today by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

"Sadly, there are some amongst today's list whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us. To their families, I express the nation's sadness at your loss but pride in your loved one's actions," Sir Peter said.

"These awards have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by identifying role models.

"Today, we add a new group of people to those whose lead all Australians should follow."

It is not the first time Ms Boden has been honoured — last year, she was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

The SA Government also established the Kirsty Boden Memorial Nursing Scholarship for regional students in their final year of study.

Locals created a floral tribute to Ms Boden in her home town of Loxton. ( AAP: Brenton Edwards )

District Council of Loxton Waikerie Mayor Leon Stasinowsky said Ms Boden "never even thought of her own wellbeing" when she selflessly rushed into danger.

In the aftermath of the attack, Ms Boden's partner James Hodder said she was "amazing" and "selfless".

"We are all massively, massively proud of her and we always will be proud of her," he said.

"The way in which she passed away exemplifies who she was as a person, which makes it incredibly hard for all of us."