A French citizen who confronted the killer behind the mass stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction says he’s been overwhelmed by the nation’s support as Anthony Albanese rewarded him with permanent residency.
Damien Guerot, now known as the ‘Bollard Man’, has emerged as the unlikely hero following Saturday’s massacre in which six people were killed.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: A national hero can now call Australia home
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The 31-year-old Frenchman took on killer Joel Cauchi, confronting him on an escalator inside the centre in an attempt to stop him from reaching more potential victims.
In a video that went viral, Guerot can be seen threatening Cauchi with a shopping centre bollard as the killer brandishes his knife.
The carpenter has lived in Australia for eight years and says he loves the Australian way of life, including swimming at both Balmoral and Coogee Beach.
His visa was set to expire in July, however, following his heroic act, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued him with permanent residency.
“(It’s) just amazing and I will try to do my best to respect this country and be a good Australian if I can,” he said.
While thankful, Guerot said it was difficult to find too much joy given the tragedy.
“It’s a bit hard for me to be happy (because of) the people … still in grief.”
Guerot’s colleague, 32-year-old Silas Despreaux, also confronted Cauchi.
He was already a resident and is now thankful his friend gets to stay.
“After this week, this tough week, we (have) started to feel better,” he said.
“I think we can be proud of us.”
Muhammad Taha, a security guard stabbed in the stomach by Cauchi, has also been granted a permanent visa,
He was in Australia on a graduate visa, but it was due to expire in a few weeks.
“This person is clearly of good character,” Albanese said.
“This is someone who put his own safety at risk.”
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