Originally from the UK, Jerusha Harper-Ceylani came to Darwin in June 2015 for a job opportunity. She had been working for the Hilton group in Melbourne for six months when one day she received a call to manage a cluster of four hotels in the Northern Territory.

“They told me I’d be based in Darwin,” the 31-year-old recalled. “I’d never heard of the place. I’d only been in Australia six months but was up for an adventure. So I packed my bags and I’ve been here ever since.”

Jerusha, who is the Groups, Conference and Events Sales Manager for Hilton Northern Territory Cluster, said what she loves most about Darwin is that it is a small city and, in some ways, everyone knows everyone.

“Looking after three large hotels in Darwin and one in Alice Springs has meant I constantly deal with businesses all over the Territory. I get to build strong connections with many people. Even when doing my weekly shop in Woolworths, I run into at least five people who I have worked with.”

When Jerusha gave birth to her son Bertie, now three, at the Royal Darwin Hospital, she joined an antenatal group program.

“To this day, this was one of the best things I have ever done as I still regularly catch up with many of the mums and our children are the best of friends – our born-and-bred Territorians.

“I would certainly class my son as a Territory bush baby. He adores being outside. Every weekend we are out and taking full advantage of the many things to do in Darwin, and certainly the weather helps.

“Darwin is our home. We love every minute of being here. It’s where we intend to see our family grow. We have been truly blessed to live in such a wonderful place. There is so much to experience and see. Why live anywhere else?”