But on Saturday morning spirits were high at the Cobram-Barooga bridge roadblock.
While some officers huddled around a fire, with firewood dropped off of by community members keeping them warm on their break, others checked permits before sending drivers on their way into NSW.
Those who did not have the correct permit were not turned away, but were pulled over to the side where officers helped them through the online process and printed out the paperwork for them.
There were chuckles and some eye rolls when a border resident who regularly uses the crossing passed a big bag of doughnuts through their ute window.
It was not a bribe, but a token of appreciation; and it was not the only act of kindness the officers have received.
Cobram's Young Citizen of the Year, Isabella Boys, has been baking homemade treats including licorice all-sorts slice and hokey pokey cookies for the officers.
The 12-year-old Cobram Anglican Grammar School student said she wanted to thank the officers for what they were doing.
“Our good local cops and all around Australia need some support and to see the community cares,” she said.
While the officers cannot talk to the media, the heartfelt appreciation was written all over their faces — and the country hospitality seemed to come as a welcome surprise to the few who normally patrol Sydney's Kings Cross area.
More border closure news
Border closure ushered in quietly at Cobram-Barooga
Border permits required for all school students on Baldwins buses
Two men charged with drug supply at Tocumwal border checkpoint
17°C