Sudanese Australians say they fear for the safety of their loved ones amid violent scenes in their home country.
There has been chaos on the streets of Sudan's capital Khartoum following a military coup that has been widely condemned by international leaders.
The country's prime minister has been arrested, seven people have been killed and demonstrators have taken to streets to protest against the military takeover.
There have also been phone and internet blackouts in Sudan, leaving community members in Australia cut off from their relatives.
Melbourne resident Elmardi Abdelrasoul said it was a stressful time for the diaspora.
"All my community here in Melbourne and in Victoria, they are worried about their families there," he said.
"[The army] is using force and power to control the situation.
"I cannot accept this kind of situation. We are fighting for civil rule. As a human rights activist, I don't like violence against human rights."
Sudan's long-time autocratic leader Omar al-Bashir was overthrown two years ago.
The country was weeks away from transitioning to a civilian-led government until Monday's coup.
In 2011, Sudan was split in two after an independence referendum, enabling the creation of a new country, South Sudan.
According to 2016 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), about 24,000 people living in Australia were born in Sudan or South Sudan.
A large number arrived in Australia as refugees in the early 2000s.
'No internet, no phone calls'
Amira Saeed said she had been desperately trying to reach her parents and sister who live in Khartoum.
"There's no internet, no phone calls. Some landlines are still working, but not for a long time. You have to keep trying over and over to get connected," she said.
Ms Saeed said many Sudanese had hoped the country would finally come under democratic rule when Mr al-Bashir was deposed.
She now fears what will come next.
"Considering what's going on now with the military taking over, it's not looking good," she said.
Bakri Jabir, a Sydney resident involved in the community group Sudanab, called on the Australian Government and its citizens to reject Sudan's military rule.
Mr Jabir feared terrorist groups would now use the country to strengthen their base.
"But the people are determined to fight this military coup and they are determined to fight for full, civil, democratic change in Sudan."
Mr Abdelrasoul, Ms Saeed and Mr Jabir said local community groups were hoping to raise money to help citizens in their homeland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs was contacted for comment.
