SOFIA Rosenlis and Toula Prantalos are the face of Australia Day in the northern suburbs. The Greek migrants, who came to Australia more than 50 years ago, have embraced the Australian way of life and raised children and grandchildren in Thomastown.
They met at the Lalor library. “My uncle lived in Australia and sent beautiful photographs, which made me want to come,” Mrs Rosenlis said.
“So many things are nice in Australia. I have a very good life in Australia. I’m happy – good family, more opportunities. Everyone has a job in our family.”
Mrs Rosenlis, who became an Australian citizen in 1964, said: “I love Australia Day. We like to celebrate by having a barbecue.”
But she said the Lalor library “is my second home; I’ll also be coming here, like I do every day”.
Mrs Prantalos said she had returned to Greece four times, but Australia was her home.
“You can live any life you want. Here you can be anything you want to be – doctor, lawyer, even the prime minister. Everyone loves each other here – doesn’t matter what nationality. I feel 100 per cent Australian,” Mrs Prantalos said.
* All Yarra Plenty regional libraries will be open on Australia Day.
