The Royal Flying Doctors pop-up vaccination clinics held at Gunnedah, Mullaley and Curlewis over the past five days has proven a landmark success, with 2,784 people rolling up their sleeves to be vaccinated.
Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said it was inspiring to see so many people line up to protect their family, their community and their country.
"This most recent big push on top of the continuing efforts of our local GP clinics, pharmacies and other health providers is exactly what was needed to boost our vaccination rates," Cr Chaffey said.
"I am deeply proud of what this community has been able to achieve in just a few days. We were among the first in the country to be able to offer vaccinations to our young people between 12 and 15, and have managed to win another fight against this pandemic.
"Thank you to all those who lined up to be vaccinated. With a positive COVID-19 case confirmed in Gunnedah Shire yesterday, it's reassuring to see so many people taking up this opportunity and doing their part to protect our community.
"My greatest appreciation is to the people and organisations who have made these vaccination clinics possible. Our Federal Member, the Honourable Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, went into bat on behalf of his constituents and made sure the Pfizer vaccine was available.
"The wonderful people at the Royal Flying Doctor Service are hosting these clinics, providing a professional service that our community has been very grateful to receive. Thank you.
"Thanks must also go to: the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services and Hunter New England Health, who assisted in administering the vaccinations; to Winanga-Li who organised the clinic lines like clockwork and also were key in advocating so strongly for this clinic to happen; the SES who helped with traffic control; our team at Gunnedah Shire Council who helped keep things running smoothly; and Rotary Club of Gunnedah, whose members offered a smile and a lollipop and kept an eye on people who had just received their vaccinations. GoCo also provided free transport to the clinics."
The clinic will return in about three weeks for second vaccinations. Details will be available ahead of that time on Gunnedah Shire Council's Facebook page.
Caption: Team effort: The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Winanga-Li, Hunter New England Health, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service, Gunnedah SES, Rotary Club of Gunnedah and Gunnedah Shire Council teamed up for the 5 clinics.
