A former Wagga man, who lives on the United States west coast, is appealing for greater understanding as race riots continue to rage.
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Will Collie is based in Malibu, near Los Angeles, and not far from Santa Monica, where rioting has broken out since the death of African American man George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
"It's pretty intense at the moment," he said.
"If there was one thing I would ask for people to consider, it's to take the time to listen to and learn about the experiences of people of colour in the United States.
"Learn about what events have occurred throughout modern American history and understand that these protests are the actions of people who have not been heard for a very long time. Before people pass judgment on what is right and what is wrong, think hard about what is fair and the role that we can all play in ensuring our family and friends understand the difference between each."
Mr Collie, who works in public relations, is heading back to Australia this week as he and his family prepare to renew their visas and then return to the US.
He has not seen wife Lauren and their three children for three months because coronavirus travel restrictions kept them in Australia.
But ahead of his departure on Wednesday, Mr Collie said, he has been spending a lot of time trying to get a better understanding of what has lead to the widespread rioting and violence.
"I've got to learn and listen and try to support. Right now is not the time for me to try to offer a point of view. I'm asking for guidance on where I can offer support," Mr Collie said.
"People are hugely disappointed that this conversation is still taking place and that there is still a very clear distinction between white Americans and people of colour."
After spending two weeks in quarantine after returning to Australia, the first thing Mr Collie wants to do is hug his family, but he says he and his wife then plan to sit down with their children and talk about the riots.
"It's vital that our children understand that everyone is just as important as the other and that people of color deserve respect, kindness, love and protection," he said.
Mr Collie said while the riots were understandably causing fear and there were some terrible examples of looting, "the vast majority of people are seeking to hear each other out and peacefully support each other".
He said the riots had reminded the people of Los Angeles of the unrest that broke out in 1991 after a jury acquitted four police officers of using excessive force in the arrest of African American man Rodney King.
