‘This is our home now’
GIZELLE GHIDELLA SAY g’day to one of the Douglas Shire’s new true blue, fair dinkum Aussies.
Patrick Cooper, originally from the UK, along with 13 other people, will officially be an Australian citizen today.
“I’m here to stay, so it’s a natural progression to become a citizen,” he said.
“I feel lucky I get to do it on Australia Day – what better day is there?”
Patrick arrived in Australia 10 years ago during a backpacking holiday and he’s never looked back. He went from Bondi to Innisfail to Port Douglas and landed a job as a chef.
“Port Douglas has been very good to me,” he said.
“I have absolutely loved it. I now work for myself and I’m very fortunate the business is growing.”
Patrick will reflect the laidback attitude in Port Douglas with his attire at his ceremony.
“I’ll be wearing shorts and thongs, absolutely,” he said.