Australian dream will be complete

For someone about to become an Australian citizen, it is ironic Rob Gaynor met his Busselton wife on a plane leaving Australia.

The Irishman will be among a group of people getting naturalised in a ceremony at the Busselton foreshore on Australia Day.

He was on a flight back to Ireland in 2006 when he met the woman who would eventually lead to him becoming a true blue Aussie.

“I travelled around Australia about eight years ago and was on a flight back home for my sister’s wedding and in the seat next to me was my wife, ” Mr Gaynor said.

“We got talking and later met up. We lived in Ireland for three years and travelled around Europe then moved to Busselton permanently five years ago.”

Formally an architectural draftsman, Mr Gaynor is realising his long held dream to become a policeman this year. He said he loved living by the sea and thought Busselton offered a great lifestyle – particularly for families.

“I’ve got two children and one on the way and we love walking on the beach every day and going to parks, ” Mr Gaynor said.

“We’re going to be here for the rest of our lives, raising a family. To become a citizen on Australia Day makes it even more special.”

Thirty-two locals will be naturalised on January 26 in a ceremony conducted by Busselton Mayor Ian Stubbs.

The day starts with a march down Queen Street, followed by speeches and awards from 7.15am and an 8am breakfast.

Mr Gaynor said he would be joined by his family for the big occasion and it could get emotional.

“Australians are proud of their culture and I’m proud to become an Australian, ” he said.