Print PageCentenary Medallions were presented to 15 Canberrans, many of whom have witnessed Canberra's birth and life first-hand.
Surrounded by family Ella Griffiths, 100, received her medal saying good genes mean she is able to be involved in events like today's.
"I feel very good," she said.
"It's something to keep, something to think about. It's something that's very dear to you."
Ms Gallagher says each Centenarian has witnessed Canberra's transformation over 100 years.
"There are now third and fourth generation Canberrans," she said.
"Canberra's history is now interwoven through generations.
"They've seen Canberra change, they've seen the city named, they've seen the city develop to what it is today."
Ms Gallagher says only 40 medals were commissioned to ensure exclusivity.
"This is just a nice way of really acknowledging and respecting our older citizens and making sure the Centenary Medal went into the right hands," she said.
All babies born on March 12, 2013 will also receive a medal and a commemorative centenary birth certificate.
The silver medallion features the Correa 'Canberra Bells' - the official flower of the centenary - on one side and the Foundation Stone, on which Lady Denman stood in 1913, on the other.
