Corporal Donaldson became the first recipient of the Victoria Cross in almost 40 years when he was awarded the honour in 2009. 

“For me, it (the Anzac spirit) is stronger than ever and if anything it is better than what it was,” he said.

“We have become a nation. Back then, it was still very early days for Australia ... we have found ourselves a little bit more.”

Corporal Donaldson was the guest speaker for the Committee for Ballarat’s round-table dinner on Thursday night which focused on the centenary of Anzac. 

“I think, personally, the way we can commemorate them (the first Anzacs) the best is by living a good life and developing a nation to be as good as it possibly can, because that is what they fought for,” he said. 

He said his life had changed significantly since being awarded the Victoria Cross. 

“For myself, while it is fantastic and it is a great honour, I don’t try and let it change me as a person. However, it does open up the doors for me to do some fantastic things and come to places like Ballarat and be able to share my story.” 

In Afghanistan in 2008, then Special Air Services Trooper Donaldson exposed himself to enemy fire to draw it away from trapped and wounded comrades after they were ambushed by insurgents.

He also spotted a severely injured Afghan interpreter and ran 80 metres across exposed ground to rescue the man, then took him back to a vehicle and performed first aid on him before re-entering the fight.

“Corporal Donaldson’s bravery in the face of great danger not only saved lives but has earned him the highest respect within the Australia community,” Committee for Ballarat chief John Kilgour said. 

“Since being awarded the Victoria Cross, Mark has conducted himself in a way that is impressive and makes him a role model for young and old.”

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au