By DARRYN SMITH
AFTER years of coaxing, Dave Glarvey from Pomona was happy his wife Carol finally decided to become an Aussie.
Originally both from Yorkshire, England, Dave and Carol celebrated Carol’s new citizenship at the 2015 Australia Day official party held at Lions Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, on Australia Day.
“We were married in 1970,” Dave said.
“I was 20 and Carol was 18 years old.
“We came to Australia a week after we were married.
“Because we were under 21, they only charged us 10 pounds for the two of us on entry.
“The best 10 quid I ever spent!”
Dave took his citizenship in the early ’80s when he joined the police force, before serving in the Australian Army.
Dave and Carol have lived in Queensland for 14 years now and are currently enjoying their retirement in Pomona.
Carol said she was excited to have finally taken the plunge and become an Aussie.
“It’s very exciting and I am very proud to be an Australian with a Yorkshire accent,” she said.
“I thought it was about time … I am never going back … this is home for me.
“We wake up in the morning, walk out in the garden and we are with the kangaroos.”
Carol was among 85 people from 16 countries celebrating their citizenship at the ceremony.
Executive officer for the Noosa Council Colleen O’Shea-Porter said council really wanted to embrace the new citizens into the community and celebrate multi-culturalism in Noosa.