Over 3000 kilometres away, the only human faces Bill Allerton sees now belong to his 14 coworkers.
For 14 days, the Mandurah man works on an offshore oil and gas platform under strict COVID-19 guidelines. After his fortnight in the middle of the ocean he boards a plane to isolate in a room for a further 14 days.
Tighter restrictions on travel into Western Australia have seen him remain in Victoria, unable to board a plane to his home state.
Meanwhile his family await the return of their loved one, not knowing when he'll be able to travel across the border.
"I'm isolated for 14 days on an offshore platform and then I'm isolated in a room in a strange house for 14 days all because I catch a plane from Victoria," he said.
"I travel directly from regional Victoria to the airport - I believe my risk is minimal."
Asking a number of government bodies for assistance, Bill has become frustrated with his inability to isolate at home.
My mental health is becoming a struggle the more I hear of rules being bent for football and now with the separation from my family for the foreseeable future it is more of a struggle.
- Mandurah resident Bill Allerton
"I have submitted three border entry requests but have been denied entry to my home state," he said.
"My emails don't get replied to I get an automated response, I call the Police COVID-19 hotline for advice and the officer is trying to find answers off Mark McGowan's facebook while talking to me.
"Prior to Mark McGowan tightening the border for FIFO workers I was able to self isolate at home now I can't even go home."
The unknown of the situation has taken its toll on Bill and his family.
"This has had a huge impact on my family and my mental health," he said.
"My mental health is becoming a struggle the more I hear of rules being bent for football and now with the separation from my family for the foreseeable future it is more of a struggle.
"My wife is shattered, she is in tears when I call and I have to be strong for her - holding back my own emotions and the depression that is growing.
"Leaving my job is not an option as this will mean certain loss of my family home and at my age the opportunity for employment in my trade as a chef is almost impossible."
The state government is taking a cautious approach to Western Australia's Roadmap to Recovery, extending Phase 4 for a further two months.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said it could be "months, or even a year" before the state reopens its borders.
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"Given the situation over east and our latest health advice, proceeding to Phase 5 too soon is just not appropriate," he said.
"I know this will cause frustration and problems for some sections of the community, but we are trying to find the right balance here, between protecting our community and keeping our economy as open as possible."
Do you know someone who can't get home to Western Australia? Email editor@mandurahmail.com.au
