May 21st 2024.
Last week, riots broke out in New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory, leaving hundreds of Australians stranded and unable to return home. Among them is Tylah Carre, who had arrived in the capital city of Noumea for a two-day work trip just before the situation escalated.
Fortunately, the Australian government has announced that they have received the green light to send two evacuation flights, bringing hope to those who have been stuck in the area. However, the situation in New Caledonia has been tense, with a curfew in place and limited access to basic supplies.
In an interview with 9news.com.au, Carre described the riots as "pretty scary" and recounted how the hotel staff had barricaded the windows in case the rioters entered the tourist area. Locals had also barricaded the roads, and the sound of gunfire and bombs could be heard throughout the night. While some hotel staff and shop owners had left to be with their families, others stayed behind to support the stranded tourists.
The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Carre and his fellow Australians. They have all experienced the fear and uncertainty that comes with being in a riot zone, with explosions and gunshots being a constant presence. Many of them also have specific needs, such as medication from local pharmacies, making their situation even more challenging.
Among the stranded Australians are Dr Max and Dr Tiffany Winchester, who were on their first holiday without their children when the riots broke out. They shared with Today that they can't wait to return home and be reunited with their kids, as their romantic getaway has turned into a struggle for both them and their children.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has stated that the Australian government is prioritizing passengers based on need and is working on arranging more flights to bring back their citizens. Carre expressed his gratitude for the government's efforts in helping with the evacuations.
The riots in New Caledonia were in response to reforms passed in Paris, allowing recent arrivals to the French territory to vote in local provincial elections. This move has caused concern among local leaders, who fear it will weaken the say of the indigenous Kanak people, who make up 40% of the population. The Kanak people have been advocating for independence from France, and while three referendums have been held since 2018, the pro-independence vote has fallen short each time.
In light of the unrest, a state of emergency was declared, and France sent 1000 additional security reinforcements to the territory. While the situation seems to have calmed down, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has stated that they are still a long way from returning to normalcy. Despite the current turmoil, Carre still believes that New Caledonia is a great place with wonderful people and hopes that they can resolve their issues and return to being a peaceful and beautiful destination.
For Australians in New Caledonia who have not yet registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), it is advised to do so online. In case of emergency consular assistance, the Consular Emergency Centre can be contacted at 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305.
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