LIVING ON THE BORDER

A short PERSONAL REFLECTION by SUE CARRISON, VICTORIA- BASED MEDIA STRINGER

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant moment in time that will go down in history. People, the world over, for varying lengths of time have had to isolate within their homes, abstain from physical contact, avoid large groups of people and disconnect from public spaces. On a global level Countries closed their borders, and here in Australia states closed their borders, some of which remain in place currently.

I live in Nelson on the border of South Australia and South West Victoria, and I wanted to share my experience of the difficulties I’ve experienced due to the closed borders during this time as the COVID-19 restrictions highlight the challenges associated with living in regional Australia that are often overlooked

Every day I travel over the border and every day I get anxious, “what will be different today?” I muse to myself…

My community is four kilometres from the South Australian border, which has remained closed. Consequently, significant confusion and frustration has occurred as we attempt to traverse the regulations; locals have been turned away from medical appointments and people (many elderly and retired) have had to drive an additional 65 kilometres along difficult roads as they’re prohibited from shopping in communities they ordinarily would as they can’t cross the border.

In my opinion, the state border closures don’t adequately consider the circumstances of people living in the regions. The chaos and anger that has occurred during this time has made me ponder the way regional and rural Australia is treated; so often it feels like we’re an after thought…or not thought of at all.

Our community consists of 240 permanent people and it relies on tourists to survive. Without tourists businesses struggle to survive which has a flow on affect disrupting the entire community. I’ve personally received an exemption as we have a business and a property in South Australia so I’ve been able to move back and fourth. However, this is not the case for many and the border closure has severely impacted the accommodation outlets, the pub, kiosk, roadhouse and boat hire business. These businesses are the heart and soul of our town so the impact runs deep.

From my point of view I believe the isolation should be limited to areas in Australia where there are COVID-19 outbreaks. I believe the money spent on border control could be better used to ensure that people who are supposed to isolate actually do isolate.

I’m a passionate and proud regional Australian and this experience has compelled me to appeal to fellow Australians. I urge you to please consider regional and rural Australians and look after the people that put food on your table. While we might be out of mind and out of sight out here in the regions and in remote parts of Australia, we are always working hard to bring food and fibre to everyone. The impact on our businesses and wider communities puts pressure on our ability to successfully produce. This is a discombobulating and strange time for all but please be mindful of our unique situations in regional Australia, please listen to us, support us and most importantly, please be kind.