A cardboard cut-out of Ricky Martin has had a crafty makeover to help keep a couple "virtually together" while being 1,500 kilometres apart.
Bundaberg's Rod Medew and Cathy Zanella are usually inseparable, but COVID-19 border closures and family commitments have kept them separated for six months.
Ms Zanella was stuck in Canberra and wanted to find a human-sized corflute cut-out to which she could pin her smiling face and have delivered to Mr Medew in her absence.
"In February I was planning to come back to Bundy for a couple of months until my latest grandchild was born in June, but with the shutdown I wasn't sure if I'd be able to return to Canberra so I decided to stay there," she said.
For health reasons it was better for Mr Medew to remain at his Bundaberg home, but he said the separation had been tough.
"I always miss Cathy, even if it's for a short period of time; I went through all of those emotions, sad to very sad," he said.
Enter Leanna Gallagher from Hervey Bay who had just what Cathy needed — a life-size cardboard cut-out of pop star Ricky Martin that had experience playing the role of a virtual family member.
Ricky experienced as a substitute
In 2013, Ms Gallagher's mother was turning 100 but her grandson, Anthony, was working overseas and set to miss the celebration.
She decided to source a cut-out to substitute for her son at the party.
Her first option was a stand-in Olympic swimmer but she was worried how she would make it "look right" in swimwear at an evening event.
"As luck would have it, I noticed a local business had a promotional Ricky Martin figure in a suit," Ms Gallagher said.
"I thought that's going to be better for me than trying to dress up a swimmer in a body suit.
"When I shared the news with my son about his temporary home, he was quite chuffed."
Fast-forward to 2020 and it was time for Ricky to get a makeover for his new role on behalf of Ms Zanella.
"I was overjoyed to be able to help someone be comforted," Ms Gallagher said.
A makeover, a new role
With a new printed face, salmon-coloured scarf and pink cardigan, Ricky/Cathy was delivered to Mr Medew's door.
"To be fair, I wasn't expecting it," he said.
"I got her to help me in the kitchen, in the laundry, and we even went whale spotting — she was always there.
"It was a fun experience which, honestly, helped me through some dark periods. It really did lift my spirits a lot."
Ms Zanella has since returned to Bundaberg, but as Queensland's borders once again close to people from the ACT, she said she had sympathy for those stuck in a similar situation.
"I can't imagine what separated young families are going through right now," she said.
"We are in the same country but we are divided."
Ricky will soon return to Ms Gallagher with a gift of thanks from the couple.
.jpg?w=600)
