‘I relocated to Sydney in September… no one expects to find themselves in the midst of a terrorist attack, not least in a place like Bondi Beach’

Irish woman Ciara Ahern relocated to Sydney in September – she writes about the shock and horror of a terrorist attack in her ‘home away from home’

People at a flower memorial placed outside Bondi Pavilion on Monday. Photo: AP

When I was relocating to Sydney in September, I chose to make a home in Bondi Beach because of its sunny disposition.

It’s the postcard location, sure, but it’s the people and vibrant community that make here so special. It’s the kind of tight-knit city suburb where everyone knows everyone and we all look out for one another.