A Woodend couple is currently trapped in New Caledonia as riots and unrest cause chaos across the Pacific territory.
Dr Maxwell Winchester and Dr Tiffany Winchester were on holiday and due to fly home last Tuesday when protests broke out over voting reform in the French-ruled archipelago.
The unrest began over a new bill that will allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections – a move some local leaders fear will dilute the Indigenous Kanak vote.
As protests turned violent, France declared a state of emergency and the airport was closed to travellers like the Winchesters.
Dr Winchester told the Express they could see fires being lit all over the city from their hotel.
“Every shop has been burnt or smashed up,” he said.
“We’re all watching out for looters and we’ve only got a few days of food left here.”
Dr Winchester said their hotelier warned them that if trouble reached the hotel their only escape would be to the forest.
FROM CALM TO CHAOS
The couple had left their island accommodation at the Hilton resort last Monday, and headed to the mainland for an overnight stay in Noumea before intending to catch an early morning flight home.
They walked through the city and while there were protesters everywhere it appeared calm and friendly.
“We went for lunch and by the time we came back from lunch it had turned violent,” Dr Winchester said.
“We got into a taxi and noticed the motorway exits were barricaded but we did actually make it back to our hotel.
“The next morning we called for a 6am shuttle but it never arrived. The airport and the roads were closed.
“We then realised how bad it was. We were trapped where we were.”
Dr Winchester called the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade but said he wasn’t taken seriously.
“It hadn’t made the Australian news yet,” he said.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Sunday said the government was working to support those stranded after all inbound and outbound flights were grounded.
“The Australian Defence Force is ready to fly, pending commercial flights resuming,” she said.
“French authorities advise the situation on the ground is preventing flights. We continue to pursue approvals.”
On Monday local news was reporting French forces had regained control of the road to the airport.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced two flights were headed to Noumea today for evacuation.
