We’re all Aussies now

Alex de Vos
Australia Day on the Surf Coast was more than beer, barbecues and beaches for one of the country’s newest citizens.
Rachel Linnell, who made the transition from permanent resident to Australian citizen at a ceremony in Torquay’s Taylor Park on Tuesday, said the day was one to celebrate.
The Linnell family of six moved to Torquay three years ago following a long love affair with the UK town of the same name.
“We used to go there on little holidays and we loved it and we thought the Torquay in Australia had to be better,” Ms Linnell said.
“We just love it here. The people are so friendly, not like they are back home where they don’t want to know how your day is going.
“It’s all every exciting.”
Rupalatha Alugu also became an Australian citizen at the Taylor Park ceremony.
“Australia Day means a lot for me,” the Indian national said.
“I don’t have a family here but already it feels like I have a very big family in Torquay.”
After three years in Melbourne, Ms Alugu moved to Torquay last year with her Malaysian husband and two daughters.
She considered the move to Australia one of the best decisions she had made.
“It’s a beautiful place and the kids just love it here,” she said.
“It’s definitely more friendly down here.”
Hundreds of residents and holidaymakers converged on Taylor Park on Tuesday to participate in the Australia Day festivities.
Mayor Libby Cocker hosted the event to welcome Torquay’s 18 new citizens and acknowledge the region’s high achievers.
For Lesley Eccles, becoming an Australian citizen “made it all permanent”.
Ms Eccles, who has called Australia home for the past three and half years along with her husband and two children, said she was excited to become a citizen.
“I just love the lifestyle and the people are wonderful,” the UK national said.
“We love the beach and the boys play golf, so it really suits us living here.”
Deans Marsh resident Sandra Dempsey was named Surf Coast Shire Citizen of the Year for her work within the community, while Anglesea lifeguard Lachlan Holbery-Morgan was awarded Young Citizen of the Year.