CSIRO scientist chooses to call City of South Perth home after being ‘mesmerised’ by WA

WHEN Canadian Cindy Bessey moved to Western Australia she was “mesmerised” by the State and decided to officially call it home.

The CSIRO marine ecologist made her pledge to Australia among more than 60 other people during a citizenship ceremony in the City of South Perth this month.

Ms Bessey, who met her husband Brett Fitzgerald in Shark Bay while doing field research, said she had a life-changing experience moving to WA for field research, and the decision to call Australia home was a no-brainer.

“I had no hesitation in deciding to make Australia my new home,” she said.

“I was totally mesmerised by Western Australia.

“The landscape is so captivating, and I didn’t realise Australia had such a diversity of wildlife.”

Ms Bessey said as a research scientist, Perth offered greater employment opportunities and the work/life balance.

“You have hundreds of kilometres of bike paths, beautiful gardens and parks, and there’s such a sense of community,” she said.

“We love the events and festivals, the great weather, and the relaxed lifestyle.”

The ceremony was officiated by Mayor Sue Doherty who said the diversity of cultures and people who settled in the area contributed to making the City a vibrant and unique community.

“Our community is made up of residents from more than 80 nations who have chosen to call the City their home,” she said.

“This brings a richness of culture into our schools, workplaces and the wider community.”