Since The Border Mail broke the news last week about the planned closures of childcare centres at Bellbridge, Mitta, Kergunyah, Walwa, Baranduda, Henty and Walla, the human faces of those hit by the decision have emerged.
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They are mums and dads, people like Tish Jasinowicz and Rachel Hewitt.
Having daycare two days a week allowed Tish to operate a hair and beauty salon at Bethanga. As things stand now, she has had to tell clients she won't be available as of December 21.
Rachel's plans to study printing and graphic design at TAFE next year will have to be shelved with no care for her 18-month-old twins and six-year-old.
These are just two mothers who have had the rug pulled out from under them with this decision.
And then there's the effect on these small towns.
As Towong Shire mayor David Wortmann put it: "Childcare is the one thing that will enable families to stay in isolated communities."
Education Minister Dan Tehan declined to answer questions put to him by The Border Mail about the funding model that has been cited by the Albury Wodonga Community College in its decision to close the centres.
And he won't be coming to public forums on the issue scheduled for December 17. He doesn't appear to have time for any of that, but did find time to provide a statement largely attacking the Labor party.
Is it any wonder people are fed up with politicians from the major parties. This is exactly why people are turning away.
While people's lives are on hold and futures uncertain, political leaders who show that time and again all they care about is getting one up on their opposition.
This is a very real problem for these small towns, small towns that don't ask for much at all from federal governments and let's face it – to be blunt – they get stuff all.
Surely the least these people deserve is some respect, and some answers.
