In Australia, solidarity at work to accommodate and support Caledonians stuck in Sydney

While Nouméa airport remains closed to commercial flights, many Caledonians find themselves stuck in the neighboring country of Australia. However, they can count on the solidarity that is organized to accommodate them.

Alongside the state of emergency declared in New Caledonia, the suspension of all commercial flights to and from Nouméa deprives many Caledonians of the possibility of returning home. Several hundred of them are thus stranded in the large neighboring country, Australia, without knowing when they will finally be able to return to Le Caillou. A stressful situation, financially difficult but one which they are not completely helpless to face. In certain cases, they can count on the support of Caledonians living in Australia, who since the start of the crisis have shown a great surge of solidarity.

Having lived in Australia for more than 30 years, Marie Gittard did not hesitate for a second and decided to move the furniture into her home to accommodate New Caledonian friends stuck in Sydney. “I want to remain anonymous because the news I receive is not great”testifies his friend, whom we will therefore call Gaëtan. “I have my children and my businesses therehe explains to justify his caution. I was in transit in Sydney, and I found myself stuck here like hundreds of other people. Our situation is undoubtedly less dramatic than that of the Caledonians but for some, it will start to become difficult.he assures.

Many are faced with unexpected costs, others run out of medication or simply do not speak English. However, they can count on the support of the Caledonian community in Australia. Marie did not hesitate to accommodate them or assist them in their efforts. Audrey manages the Caledonians in Australia group on Facebook and has never received so many messages. “I must admit that I am a little overwhelmed by the scale of the requests. I could see that there was a need but I did not expect that”, she confides. Audrey also took the day to devote herself fully to this task. As a way too, to overcome a feeling of helplessness.

“We are all powerless witnesses, we are all a little on edge. We follow very closely what is happening with the family in New Caledonia. It’s a bit our way of being able to do something .”

Audrey, administrator of the Caledonians in Australia Facebook group

at franceinfo

The same energy animates Marie, who has not slept since the start of the riots. “It’s been three sleepless nights now. It’s very complicated, we would like to see peace again because our Caillou is still very precious, it’s the island closest to paradise, unfortunately today, we live more like hell.”

Purgatory could last a long time for Caledonians who cannot return home. They fear that flights to Nouméa will not resume before the state of emergency is lifted.