Australians stranded in riotous New Caledonia are pleading with the government to assist them in returning home, describing the escalating unrest that has resulted in four deaths as resembling a war zone.
Sophie Jones Bradshaw, a woman from Brisbane, traveled to Noumea, the capital of the French-governed Pacific island territory, for work on May 11.
She mentioned that her husband and three-year-old son were supposed to join her a few days later, but the riots erupted.
As a result, the family is now separated with no clear timeline for a reunion.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to see my son through the camera every day,” Ms. Jones Bradshaw told AAP.
“I’m in tears because he wants me to come home.
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“I keep telling him ‘just one more night, one more night,’ but I don’t know.”
Ms. Jones Bradshaw recounted that explosions, fires, and looting have become widespread in the once picturesque capital where she has been visiting for two decades.
“It’s a scene of devastation, chaos—it’s terrifying,” she expressed.
“It feels like a lawless territory.”
She reported that half of the capital has been destroyed, with homes and businesses being burned down as the unrest stemming from disputed electoral reform persists.
“I barely sleep at night as I patrol my street to assist neighbors in protecting it, and even when I doze off, I wake up at the slightest noise out of fear of fire or intruders,” Ms. Jones Bradshaw shared.
“I feel drained and frightened like any other resident of Caledonia.”
Local supermarkets are empty, and venturing out for supplies poses a significant risk due to sporadic explosions and fires.
“I’ve visited a few convenience stores yesterday and today, and they are barren – maybe a couple of shampoos and deodorants left, but no food,” Ms. Jones Bradshaw observed.
“You have to venture farther and farther out to find a store that hasn’t been looted or closed.
“Amidst all this, you can still hear explosions from time to time.”
Finding a simple loaf of bread has become nearly impossible, with roadblocks hindering supplies to grocery stores, according to Ms. Jones Bradshaw.
The timeline for Ms. Jones Bradshaw’s return to Brisbane remains uncertain.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advised Ms. Jones Bradshaw to register on a database so that the agency is aware of all individuals in the country.
She was instructed to pack her bags, charge her electronic devices, but was not provided with any specific departure timelines.
Ms. Jones Bradshaw mentioned that she has been sleeping fully clothed for the past five nights, with her passport, phone, and laptop ready in a bag for a quick departure.
All she desires is to be back home with her family before her son’s fourth birthday in a few days.
“I’m really hoping that the airport will reopen on the 22nd, and I’ll be accommodated on my flight, although I have my doubts,” she stated.
“But I’m holding onto hope, even though the uncertainty is challenging.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong advised Australians in New Caledonia to restrict their movements and adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities.
“We are collaborating with authorities in France and New Caledonia, as well as with like-minded partners such as New Zealand, to explore safe departure options for Australians,” she shared on the X social media platform on May 18.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged Australians stranded in New Caledonia to reach out to the foreign affairs department via the hotline for assistance.
“We are deeply concerned about the situation in New Caledonia. We urge for peace in that region,” he conveyed to reporters on May 18.
“We understand that there will be Australians, either in New Caledonia or with family members and loved ones here in Australia, who are extremely worried.”
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