Proud Aussies: Trevor Secombe and Frank Burke salute Australia Day.
ERIN PEARSON
TORQUAY’S Trevor Secombe had a special reason to eagerly await Australia Day celebrations this week.
The proud father-in-law of Englishman Frank Burke said his “mate” was particularly worthy of Australian citizenship.
Trevor said he’d taken Frank under his wing with pride since he moved to Australia more than a decade ago.
“I’m a very proud father-in-law because Frank is an all-round good guy,” Trevor said.
“He’s one of those people who’ll always help you out, which is a real Aussie quality. He’s really taken to Australia and adopted our love of the country.”
Frank met Trevor’s daughter, Shannon, while backpacking around Australia in 1999.
“The first time I met Trev was at his 60th. I bought him a bottle of single-malt whiskey, so it went down very well,” he laughed.
“When I first came to Australia I found myself instantly at home and I’ve embraced the Aussie way of life.
This area has a real sense of community where people are always willing to give you a go if you’re prepared to work hard and I like that.”
Shannon said she was thrilled with her father and Frank’s close bond.
Trevor became Frank’s “role model” after his father died a few years ago, she said.
“It’s a special thing they have.”
Frank was due to receive his citizenship at a ceremony in Torquay’s Taylor Park on Australia Day.
