Mental health advocate and Cross of Valour recipient Allan Sparkes will take the mic at Bourke's Australia Day celebrations.

The former policeman was recognised in 1998 after he rescued a small boy from flood waters in Coffs Harbour two years earlier.

He has plenty accolades under his belt, but Mr Sparkes said he doesn't want to focus on his deeds when in his speech

"First and foremost, it is to show our respect for the people who live and work in those remote communities," he said.

"It's to learn about them and acknowledge what those people have done and are doing.

"It's understanding the challenges and the hardships that remote communities have, and looking at ways, if possible, that we can put a focus on what is actually needed and what is capable of being provided."

Mr Sparkes now lives in Sydney, but said he said he inherited a fondness for the west from his father. [IMAGE: supplied]

Mr Sparkes and partner Deb Swain will spend three days in the town, arriving a day ahead of the celebration.

Originally from Cumnock, he was last in Bourke in July 2024 to train local police.

He became an Australia Day ambassador 11 years ago and has spoken in Parkes, Wentworth, Alice Springs and, most recently, Nyngan.

In August 2016, he received the Commendation for Brave Conduct for saving the life of a man who had fallen onto the tracks at Redfern Railway Station.

During the next year's Australia Day Honours, he was given an Order of Australia medal for his work with mental health services.

Mr Sparkes is one of only five Australians to receive the Cross of Valour, the country's highest bravery award, since the honour began in 1975.

He hopes community members come away from his speech feeling proud.

"And know that there are people that do actually think about them and care about them, and sometimes feel very helpless because they can't do what they'd like to do to help them," he said.

"We're looking forward to coming out and spending time out there. It would be nice if it's not 50 degrees, but it is what it is and we'll suffer it together."