For Subiaco resident Julie Teraci, becoming an Australian citizen was a long time coming. Having moved to Australia 58 years ago from England, becoming an Australian has been something she’s been considering for the last 10 years. After beginning the process prior to COVID, Julie finally got her citizenship earlier this year.
“I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. I came here as a child, so I’ve never worked in the UK and paid tax,” Julie said.
“It was like there was piece not quite right, and I decided a while back that I wanted to become a citizen.”
Living in Subiaco for 40 years – and in the same house for 35 of those years – Julie said the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day was a “real connection in community”.
“It was a really lovely day. I hadn’t really thought about what the day might be like. I sort of wanted to fly under the radar a bit, and there was no doing that! I’ve lived in Subi a long time.
“It couldn’t have been better; it was just the most beautiful morning… it had a lot more meaning than what I thought it would have.”
Despite not feeling like she fully fit in before becoming a citizen, Julie said she has always felt welcome in Subiaco, with the local community being the highlight.
“I do feel like I belong in Subi. The kids have all gone to school here, you only need to walk out of your door and you bump into somebody you know, and it just feels connected.”
Being an active person and exercising six mornings a week, Julie singled out Lords Recreation Centre as being an important part of her love of the area.
“Lords is a community within the community, I guess. Just that opportunity to mix with likeminded people, and all connect on a level.
“I’ve got a group of friends, and we probably never would be friends in another circumstance. But we’ve become really good friends, and it’s through that connection at Lords. We’re an eclectic group, and it’s just great.
“I think any long-term Lords member would say very similar. We’ve got great instructors, and we’re lucky to have great equipment; it’s a very big part of my life living in Subi,” she said.
The last step of Julie’s journey is getting her Australian passport. With plans to travel overseas later in the year, she’s looking forward to re-entering the country for the first time as a citizen.
“I wanted to belong somewhere, as corny as it sounds. I always felt that I should belong, but now I know that I do,” she said.
