Debra and Graeme Mathewson know they aren't alone.
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Unfortunately their story isn't rare.
They are among the many people being kept from their loved ones because of the border closure, and 'lack of common sense' with getting a permit.
But that isn't making it any easier.
The retired Yackandandah couple has been applying for a compassionate permit to cross into NSW to see Graeme's 84-year-old mother in Khancoban since the border closure on July 8.
But, like so many other North East families, they have been sent in circles and unable to cross to care for their loved one.
"Graeme's mother Dulcie is 84 and lives on her farm, but we have been helping her every three weeks or so because we are retired and have the time," Mrs Mathewson told The Border Mail.
"But that has stopped - it wasn't an issue until these border closures came into effect.
"There is no way known we can get mum off the property.
"She is of that generation and we aren't going to stop her from doing what she can while she can.
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"She can do most things on her own. But as far as drenching and marking calves, she can't do that.
"She has been telling me for years that the only way she is leaving that property is in a box."
While Mrs Mathewson's mother-in-law is telling her family she is OK, the couple just want to travel there to help.
"She had seven kids so she is obviously getting plenty of phone calls but that just isn't good enough," she said.
"It really is fruitless. We have applied twice now and after multiple emails and phone calls they just say it isn't possible.
"They say the only way you can get these permits is for a funeral or if someone is dying. Well, that is the last thing you want.
"Why even bother. It is just ridiculous. We will just keep applying and wait and see."
While the couple is grateful their loved one is healthy and safe, they said the restrictions were just "adding more stress" to an already stressful year.
"She is still very independent but having gone through the fires earlier this year this is all just getting a bit much," Mrs Mathewson said.
"She grew up at Howlong and each morning she would milk the cows before and after school - this is her life.
"Even when she first got married and first had children she used to milk and make pounds and pounds of butter every day.
"We just want to go and help her continue to live it the way she likes to.
"Those parliamentarians have just got no idea, they sit in their office and say this and that and disregard everything that is happening down here."