Maddyson back in her mother’s arms
A MOTHER and daughter forced apart by border closures had an emotional reunion in the Far North on Friday after they were separated for more than a month.
Seven-year-old Queenslander Maddyson Langley touched down at Cairns airport from Melbourne soon after noon, flying by herself.
Queensland Health granted Maddyson permission to enter the Sunshine State and an exemption from hotel quarantine on Monday.
Mother Shannon Phippen said she was “extremely excited and relieved” to be holding her daughter in her arms.
“It was really surreal seeing her come through the gate at the airport,” Ms Phippen said.
“We didn’t know what was supposed to happen with the police monitoring the gates, but as soon as she saw me she ran straight through everyone and gave me the biggest cuddle.
“There was no way anyone was keeping us apart.”
Maddyson headed straight into her first day of 14-day quarantine at home with mum and nine-year-old brother Cruize, who has severe autism spectrum disorder and is non-verbal.
Ms Phippen has applied multiple times for her son to go to therapy sessions during their quarantine period, but authorities are not willing to make an exemption.
“He has two therapy sessions every week,” she said.
“It’s really important that he has a sense of structure.
“Getting him back into school and therapy routine after the two weeks will be very hard.
“I told work I will try to work from home, but I think there will be a lot to juggle here.”
Maddyson had been staying at her grandmother’s home in South Gippsland.
The grade 2 student had flown to Melbourne from Cairns to stay with her grandmother when Victoria’s snap lockdown was announced mid-flight.
Grandmother Treacie Martin said it was difficult to “hold back the tears” as she farewelled Maddyson on to her flight.
“It was hard to leave her – I couldn’t hold back the tears,” Ms Martin said.
“She was really excited to go home.
“She wasn’t scared at all heading on the flight by herself.
“Maddyson kept asking me to come on the plane with her. I wish I could have.”
Multiple pleas and exemption requests from Ms Martin and Ms Phippen were previously rejected by Queensland Health, despite NRL players and their families being allowed to enter the state.
Ms Phippen said it was “absolutely disgusting” that the state governments refused to grant exemptions for families forced apart.
“There are poor families in much worse situations than ours,” she said. “I’m really glad she’s home … but I just don’t know when I’m going to be able to see her next.”