‘Who is an Australian?' his speech asked, and answered.

‘An Australian is someone with a commitment to Australia and its future,' Prashanth said.

‘Australia Day is not for national self-glorification, nor do we celebrate it with boastfulness.

‘Our national identity is celebrating one people, one destiny. Australia Day is about celebrating the Australian spirit.'

Prashanth proved an extremely popular ambassador, undertaking with a smile a very busy schedule.

He attended the Australia Day concert at the Services Club on Thursday evening, which he described as one of the most enjoyable he had heard.

Then he waved the walkers off on the Australia Day walk; attended ceremonies in Bogan Gate and Peak Hill; a civic luncheon at the Coachman Hotel for Parkes' four Australia Day honours recipients - Rhonda Brain, Ray Dunford and Dick Rawson (OAMs) and Alan McCormack (Public Service medal) - the swimming programme at the Parkes Swimming Pool; the Parkes trots; and an inspection of the Parkes radio telescope on Saturday.

When addressing the crowd of some 500 people in Cooke Park on Friday, Prashanth said when he was first invited to be an Australia Day ambassador, he agreed and requested that he travel to areas outside of Sydney.

‘I believe that it's regional and rural Australia that truly embodies the spirit of community,' Prashanth said.

‘To best understand other cultures, before you become a citizen of the world, you must understand what it is to be a citizen of your own country, and that required time outside of Sydney.'

In his speech, titled ‘One People, One Destiny,' Prashanth outlined how he believes this theme, originally the theme of federated Australia, has evolved.

‘I believe that now it is ‘one country, many people, all Australian.

‘Being Australian is not a race, but an attitude.'

Sri-Lankan born Prashanth and his family came to Australia 20 years ago, escaping violent unrest.

‘The country where I was born and my motherland are two different things.

‘Australia is my motherland. I am Australian, and bloody proud of it.'

A Hindu, who still speaks his native language at home with his family, Prashanth is proud of his heritage.

‘My heritage does not conflict with my nationalism, my Australianism.'

Prashanth also recognised Australia's short history.

‘Australia is a work in progress... it's not yet a finished product.'

MORE pictures and stories will appear in Wednesday's edition.