Geelong’s first lady, Elissa Friday, has just made the big move from the UK to Oz. She talks with GC’s NOEL MURPHY about life, love and living with mayor Darryn Lyons.
Moving to Australia’s no doubt full of challenges; professional, academic, emotional. How do you feel?
Having travelled back and forth to Australia over the last few years was really the best preparation I could have done, to give me that familiarity with Geelong. I look forward to Darryn and I being permanently in the same country and, of course, living together again, and doing all the little things we enjoy together.
Also, I look forward to becoming part of the Geelong neighbourhood, getting into a routine, and getting to know the locals. I’m very excited about my new role as mayoress.
Your visit to Australia late last year received a rock star-style reception. Did your feet touch the ground?
It was fantastic news when Darryn called me on the phone and told me he was now mayor. I was overjoyed.
I knew I had done the right thing encouraging him to go for it. I know his capabilities and knew the right man got the job.
It was a new situation that I had to accustom myself to very quickly, and I did. I suddenly adopted a new role too, and immediately felt a sense of my own responsibility.
What was your motivation for studying journalism and politics at Deakin Univessity? What do hope to do?
I’m nearly finished studying a journalism BA degree in London. I’ll complete my third year at Deakin on an international student scholarship. I also plan to continue learning Mandarin.
I take a keen interest in the media, politics and current affairs and love critically analysing them to understand how and why the system works the way it does.
Work wise, broadcast investigative journalism greatly appeals to me, informing the public in some way or working in PR.
More in the latest Geelong Coast Magazine – in newsagents now.
