Celebrations and protests have been held in Australia following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro during a large-scale military strike by the US.
Groups opposing the intervention by the Trump administration have labelled the move illegal, while others were jubilant the removal of Mr Maduro might open a pathway to human rights and political freedom.
Venezuelan Association of Australia president Genesis Lindstrom said there were "mixed emotions" fuelled by uncertainty as expats considered their future.
"There's a lot of work to do when it comes to building the infrastructure the social fibre of our nation," she told AAP.
"There's a lot of healing that needs to happen ... within the Venezuelan community.
"I do think a lot of people will go back."
There are an estimated 10,000 people of Venezuelan ancestry in Australia, according to 2021 census data.
Ms Lindstrom, who lives in Melbourne, moved to Australia in 2009 with her family as her parents became increasingly worried over the rise in kidnappings and robberies.
"Whatever outcome happens, what we are after is an autonomous, free and democratic nation for all Venezuelans," she said.
"We want the liberation of all of the political prisoners, people that have been arbitrarily detained and haven't had the right to due process.
"Thinking about what will happen next is really hard ... but my hope is that we're on the road to freedom in our country and for families to be reunited."
The 32-year-old said a lot of media coverage had focused on geopolitics, leaving aside the lived experience of the people.
"Something that has been ever present in Venezuelan communities is that thirst for freedom of speech and for fighting for what we want for our nation," Ms Lindstrom said.
"It shows that whether or not you were born into a democratic country, that is a right and a freedom that we all deserve and is inherent to us."
US President Donald Trump has claimed Venezuela had seized and stolen American oil, assets and platforms, in his justification for the action.
But these claims have been contested by Venezuelan economists.
Mr Trump has warned the US could launch a second attack on Venezuela if its government does not co-operate.
The American president said Venezuela "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil to his nation, which would be sold at market price to benefit the people of both countries.
International law experts have questioned the legality of the US intervention.
