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Geraldton woman’s hopes for a reunion with London-based mother dashed by border backflip

Phoebe PinGeraldton Guardian
Reenie Busova and husband Bart Jett with daughters Cora, 3, and Anastasia Jett, 5.
Camera IconReenie Busova and husband Bart Jett with daughters Cora, 3, and Anastasia Jett, 5. Credit: Supplied/Reenie Busova/Reenie Busova

A Geraldton support worker who has not seen her London-based mother since 2019 has been left devastated by the decision to scrap WA’s border reopening next month.

Ludmila Busova booked her plane ticket to WA the day Premier Mark McGowan announced quarantine-free travel into the State would resume from February 5.

Before the pandemic, she would visit her Geraldton family about every six months and had intended to start the process of permanently relocating to Australia during her next trip.

Daughter Reenie Busova said she had a “horrible sinking feeling” before tuning in to the evening press conference on Thursday, and was shattered by the news of the border reopening being postponed indefinitely.

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“I just broke down in my bedroom,” she said.

“I know there’s a lot of people in the same school or similar situation to me. It’s just very hard for everyone.”

Despite her disappointment, Ms Busova said she understood the reason for the State Government’s decision.

“As heartbroken as I am, I can’t be mad at the decision,” she said.

“I have young children who could get exposed to the virus. It is obviously risky to open up with such a contagious strain. I guess I do think it was the right decision, but still it’s heart breaking.”

Although she tries to speak at least every other day, Ms Busova said the pandemic had resulted in her mother missing out on special family milestones.

“She’s missed out on many birthdays, and when she left (Geraldton) the last time, my youngest couldn’t even even crawl and now she is three,” she said.

“We got married and she couldn’t be back for that.. she’s missed out on so many things.”

Her mother has thankfully avoided contracting COVID so far, but Ms Busova said the separation had taken a heavy emotional toll on them both.

“She has been very careful but mentally she’s suffering, as am I,” she said.

“I don’t have any other family, neither does she. It is mentally very hard.

“My husband understands how I’m feeling and he’s been great support. I’ve also had support from my workplace and friends.”

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