The Australian doctors and divers involved in the Thai cave rescue will be formally honoured today at a special ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Nine Australians were called in to help rescue 12 schoolboys and their coach who were trapped for up to 18 days in a complex cave system in northern Thailand.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sought to fast-track the process for bestowing the official honours, which will be presented by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove this afternoon.
Mr Turnbull praised the efforts of the rescue team as extraordinary examples of heroism, professionalism, discipline and teamwork.
The Prime Minister also singled out Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris, who gave the medical clear for each evacuation, and was the last person out of the cave.
"He is one of the greatest examples of every Australian value we hold dear," Mr Turnbull said earlier this month.
The Australian divers were given diplomatic immunity ahead of the risky mission, in case anything went wrong during the rescue.
Dr Harris and retired Perth vet Craig Challen were planning to head off on a trip across the Nullarbor when they got the call from Thai authorities asking for help.
Just hours after the rescue mission was completed, news came through that Dr Harris' father had died while he was inside the cave.
Thailand's ambassador to Australia will attend the honours ceremony along with Mr Turnbull, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and the acting heads of Defence and the Australian Federal Police.
