As 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty prepares to hand over to David Morrison AO, the federal government has pledged to help further her work with a $500,000 grant.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says her effort to reduce violence against women has laid the groundwork for real change and that has to be continued.

Addressing the official morning tea for 2015 Australians of the Year and contenders for 2016 on Monday, Mr Turnbull said the government would give $500,000 over two years to the Luke Batty Foundation to support advocacy on gender equality and violence against women and their children.

“Rosie’s voice will continue to be there – a powerful, persuasive, compelling advocate to tell all of us to remind all of us that there has to be a cultural change,” he said.

“We have to recognise that while not all disrespecting women ends up in violence, that is where all that violence begins.”

Mr Turnbull welcomed guests to the freshly reopened Lodge, which closed for renovations in July 2012.

He said this was the first function at the new-look official residence.

“You could say this is our housewarming party so we’re thrilled that you’re here,” he said.

Mr Turnbull said on the eve of this Australia Day on Tuesday, let all Australians rejoice.

“We are a remarkable nation. We are the most successful multicultural nation in the world and the foundation of that is selflessness, patriotism, commitment to others and above all mutual respect,” he said.

The finalists for Australian of the Year, Australian local hero, Young Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year are attending the valedictory lunch at the National Gallery of Australia.

AAP.