'How sad': World reacts to 'insane' Father's Day photos

Rebecca Davis
·3-min read

Border lockdowns have failed to stop families from reuniting on Father’s Day, with “crazy” images showing hundreds celebrating over plastic barriers which separate Queensland and New South Wales.

Many struggled to find a spot to set-up among all the camp chairs, picnic blankets and balloons strewn along the bright orange barricades between Tweed Heads and Coolangatta.

Locals were contained, but not separated. Source: Twitter/Johnpaul Gonzo
Locals were contained, but not separated. Source: Twitter/Johnpaul Gonzo

Police put compassion before compliance as they patrolled the border on foot and on trail bikes, handing out masks and encouraging people to remain socially distanced.

Despite this, many were seen posing maskless and in tight huddles with their loved-ones, as emotions boiled over with many having been apart for weeks.

Images showing families gathering at the border between Queensland and New South Wales to celebrate Father’s Day have been slammed as “insane”. Source: 7News Australia
There were emotional scenes as love-ones reunited after weeks and months apart. Source: 7News Australia

Inventive celebration slammed on social media

Footage from the large gathering has sparked outrage online, with some questioning the lack of masks and social distancing.

“These scenes make a mockery of the border control - safe distancing anyone?” posted one Twitter user.

“The cases will explode now,” predicted another.

Images showing families gathering at the border between Queensland and New South Wales to celebrate Father’s Day have been slammed as “insane”. Source: Twitter/Ben Groundwater
Images showing families celebrating Father's Day at the border between Queensland and New South Wales have been slammed as "crazy". Source: Twitter/Ben Groundwater

While some were not impressed with the border controls being largely ignored, others slammed the tough border restrictions that were dividing families in the first place.

“Seeing family's embrace each other across the barriers just shows how ridiculous the decisions the Queensland government is making,” posted one Twitter user.

Others described the images as: “pure insanity” “absolutely ridiculous” and “completely crazy” with one person concluding “Australia has lost the plot”

Another said: “If anyone doesn’t see the lunacy in this they need to take some time out to reflect.”

As the images were seen around the world, Australia was labelled a “laughing stock”.

“Is this really happening in Australia today?” questioned one Twitter user.

Another said: “Nothing about this scene makes any sense. What happened to Australia?”

“What is this madness? they are literally allowed to meet up but they can’t go home? over a barrier?” posted another.

Another said: “NSW/QLD border Father’s Day catch up. How sad….. hugging over plastic barricades and sharing meals. Australia is the worlds laughing stock right now.”

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