Biomolecular scientist Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, whose research helped restore mobility in a quadriplegic man, has been named this year's Australian of the Year.

Vicki Jellie (Australia's Local Hero), Sister Anne Gardiner AM (Senior Australian of the Year) and Paul Vasileff (Young Australian of Year) were also honoured at a ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday night.

Professor Mackay-Sim used his acceptance speech to push for greater investment in young scientists and highlight the importance for researchers to have a longer view beyond "the political horizon".

He also discussed the importance of research on spinal cord injuries and rare brain diseases.

"Wouldn't it be great if we could treat spinal cord injury and reduce the cost and reduce the suffering and increase the productivity of all of those people with spinal cord injuries?" he said.

"Sixty years ago, Australia was one of the first countries to move away from the idea that spinal cord injuries could not be treated. Intense research in the last 20 years gives hope that future spinal cord injuries will be treated early and the effects minimised."

Chairman of the National Australia Day Council Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG, congratulated the recipients.

The Australian of the Year 2017 winners are an inspiration, Ben Roberts-Smith VC, MG says. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

"Alan, Vicki, Sister Anne and Paul are Australians we can all be richly proud of and inspired by," Mr Roberts-Smith said.

"They have all made valuable contributions — to medical science and their communities, by creating jobs and keeping heritage and culture alive, and through helping others and creating a better future."

Here is a quick primer on each of the winners:

Australian of the Year - Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull awards Australian of the Year Alan Mackay-Sim. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

Biomolecular scientist Professor Mackay-Sim has dedicated his life to researching stem cells which has led to groundbreaking treatment of spinal cord injuries.

In 2014, his research helped the world's first successful restoration of mobility in a quadriplegic man, a breakthrough described as the scientific equivalent of the moon landing.

He is the director of the National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research and is considered a global authority on the human sense of smell and the biology of nasal cells.

Professor Mackay-Sim said the award was an "unbelievable honour".

"I'm so proud and shocked and horrified to be the 2017 Australian of the Year," he said.

"It's an unbelievable honour and in accepting it, I want to deeply thank and acknowledge all my friends and colleagues and students, the teams of people who have worked with me, their late nights, their hard work, their great ideas have led me to stand here in front of you and I dedicate this to them."

He also took the time to acknowledge the other finalists, who he described as his "seven new best friends".

"I'm sure the only difference between us is my moustache," he said.

Australia's Local Hero - Vicki Jellie

Sorry, this video has expired Vicki Jellie named Australia's Local Hero

After her husband Peter died of cancer in 2008, Ms Jellie discovered his plans for a local fundraising event to bring radiotherapy services to Victoria's south-west. Peter had spent weeks away from home during his treatment.

She started Peter's Project, a group dedicated to fighting for better cancer services.

In 2014, the group had raised $5 million and secured $25 million in funding from state and federal governments to build a radiotherapy centre for regional patients. The doors opened in July 2016.

Vicki Jellie started Peter's Project, a group dedicated to fighting for better cancer services. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

"The last eight years have shown me that when a community works together to better a need in their region, it exemplifies their resilience, community spirit, teamwork and incredible inspiring determination to help themselves and those around them," she said.

"Community is much more than just belonging to something — it's about doing something together that make belonging matter.

"Be part of something greater than yourself. We can all make a difference, no matter how small or large it is. No matter where we live in this great country — in a tiny country town or in a city — don't be afraid to step forward and talk about what you believe in and what your dream is."

Senior Australian of the Year - Sister Anne Gardiner AM

Sorry, this video has expired Anne Gardiner named Senior Australian of the year

Sister Anne was asked as a 22-year-old to move to Bathurst Island to live among the Tiwi people.

In the past 62 years, she has dedicated herself to supporting and preserving the Tiwi culture.

She is principal of the local primary school and has established community clubs like Little Athletics and mother's groups. She runs prayer meetings, founded an op shop and established a cafe.

Her labour of love is the Patakajiyali museum which shares Tiwi stories, language and traditional customs.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull awards Sister Anne Gardiner AM. ( ABC News: Jordan Hayne )

"Who we are is made visible through our spoken language and lived culture. There is not only one way to be a leader. There is not only one language through which to express leadership. There is not only one cultural lens through which to view leadership," she said after receiving the award.

"Sadly, some of the cultural understandings and their incorporation into policies — which enable communities such as the Tiwi to maintain and develop their language and cultural strength, while simultaneously engaging with the wider world — are not in place in Australia today. My hope is that this will be redressed in my lifetime."

Sister Anne concluded by inviting all Australians to support people such as the Tiwi "to be visible as Australians to all Australians".

Young Australian of Year - Paul Vasileff

Sorry, this video has expired Paul Vasileff named 2017 Young Australian of the Year

Mr Vasileff has been recognised for his success as an international fashion designer.

The 26-year-old has graduated from Milan's prestigious Europeo Istituto di Design and now operates his couture label from South Australia.

His creations have been showcased on runways around the world, sold in New York boutiques and worn by celebrities walking the red carpet at the Oscars and Logies.

"I've been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to live out my dream, and my hope for Australia is that our young people can have the same opportunity and our local businesses are supported and given the chance to grow," he said.

"Whether it be through encouragement, support, or their own ambition — we all deserve the chance to dream. So dream big, Australia, because anything's possible."