SYDNEY (NEWSnet/AP) — A French construction worker was made an Australian permanent resident on Thursday as a reward for his heroism during a fatal knife attack in a Sydney shopping mall.

French citizen Damien Guerot was nicknamed “Bollard Man” on social media after security camera footage showed the 31-year-old standing at the top of an escalator at the Westfield Bondi Junction mall on Saturday and warding off the knife-wielding suspect with a plastic barrier post.

Guerot was also filmed brandishing a plastic chair as he ran toward Cauchi behind Police Insp. Amy Scott. Guerot along with fellow French national and work colleague Silas Despreaux were with Scott when she ended the suspect’s rampage with a fatal shot.

Guerot’s temporary Australian work visa was due to expire in July until Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened with an invitation to settle in Australia.

Guerot told Nine Network Television he was happy about the opportunity to stay in Australia but felt mixed emotions. ”It’s just unbelievable,” he said. But, he added, ”How can I be also happy when ... many people and families ... are very sad for their loss?”

French President Emmanuel Macron praised the pair’s heroism.

Saturday's mass stabbing left six people dead and a dozen hurt.

Westfield Bondi Junction was opened to the public on Thursday for the first time since the mass stabbing, but shops remained closed for what is described as a “community reflection day.” 

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