They are often enacted with the briefest of thought, yet they are forever seared on the memory of those who place the safety and lives of others before their own.

Not all acts of heroism can be recognised or honoured.

And rarely do those who carry them out seek reward or recognition.

That's what makes today's Australian Bravery Awards a special opportunity for all of us to give recognition to 65 people and say thank you for their courage and selflessness.

There are a number of people from our region who will be honoured today by Governor-General Quentin Bryce as a consequence of two of the most horrific accidents, which occurred in 2008.

People such as Unanderra mechanic Bobby Stojanovski and father and son Garry and Jason McCauley, who pulled a man from a burning car in which three other young men perished.

Or fisherman Robert Brown, who dived into freezing waters below Tathra Wharf in a bid to rescue a father and his two tiny children from choppy seas, and also the team of lifesavers who became involved in the same rescue effort.

All say they can never forget.

Today, the Mercury says nor should the community, for it has been made richer by the actions of a brave few.