Yarrawonga retiree Paul Storey received his Australian citizenship back in January despite coining himself an “Aussie” from the moment he arrived here, 53 years ago.
At the age of 16, Paul’s father, mother, brother, two sisters and grandmother, moved to Glen Waverley from Cornwall, England.
Paul had never visited Yarrawonga when he and his wife made a spur of the moment decision to move here in December 2022, chasing a change of scenery after growing tired of Melbourne’s busy nature and heavy traffic.
Australian sports were always at the forefront of Paul’s mind while growing up with his family.
When discussing sport with his father, who he deemed a staunch Englishmen, Paul said he would often side with Australia just to unnerve his old man.
“We’d have conversations about sport and to offer a different viewpoint, I would lean into Australia for a laugh,” Paul said.
Although he enjoyed his life in Melbourne, and worked as an electrical technician, getting his citizenship was something Paul put off for some time.
“It was something I said I was going to do over a number of years, and finally last year I decided to do it,” he said.
“I don’t know if it changes much, I’ve always branded myself as an Aussie.
“I’ve made this country my home and always felt like I was an Australian anyway; it didn’t feel like I was an Englishman anymore.”
Paul grew up playing soccer for Waverley City throughout the 1970s.
Since then, he has remained active by developing an appreciation for a variety of sports.
In Yarrawonga, he enjoys many of the beautiful golf courses with his wife and plays other sports, including table tennis and pickleball to keep himself busy throughout retirement.