AS FOUR Proudloves celebrated their official citizenship at a ceremony this morning, they remembered a little girl who beat them all to it.

Australia Day was a true family affair as David, Millie, Samuel and Rosie-May Proudlove made their citizenship official, but their late daughter Matilda was a step ahead of them all.

Born to British parents but an Australian citizen by birth, Matilda was gifted with the iconic name that reflected the country that welcomed her in to the world.

When Matilda passed away at two-and-a-half years of age, she left behind a little blue passport and a whole lot of loving memories.

"It's ironic really, we had an Australian citizen already but she slipped away,” Mr Proudlove said.

But as of yesterday, the rest of the Proudlove family has joined Matilda in becoming citizens of the land down under.

It was a joyful occasion for the entire family and one that cemented their place in country they've lived in for more than eight years.

"It's lovely to start feeling like you're more officially a member of the community rather than just a visitor,” Mr Proudlove said.

With Mr Proudlove working as the head of senior school at Scots PGC College and Mr Proudlove as the director of learning and enrichment, no one could argue their contribution to has been anything small.

Mr and Mrs Proudlove said moving to a town like Warwick made him appreciate the inclusiveness of small communities.

"We are so grateful to the Warwick community, who really supported us when Matilda passed away,” Mrs Proudlove said.

But despite their newfound Aussie pride, there's a few British traditions they aren't quite ready to shake.

The four sat down for a quiet cup of tea after the official citizenship ceremony at the historic Glengallan Homestead.

And Millie won't be voting for a republic, having previously rubbed shoulders with the Queen herself.