Community COVID Clinic for Bourke
Following approaches by Bourke Shire Council, a community COVID mass vaccination clinic will be held in Bourke next week.
After council discussions with Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and Scott McLaughlin from the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), a free Community COVID Vaccination Clinic will be held at the Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Tarcoon Street, Bourke, next Tuesday and Wednesday, 22 and 23 June.
The Local Health District will have the Pfizer vaccine available for those aged between 40 to 49 years and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people between the ages of 16 to 49 years old, and the AstraZeneca vaccine will be available for all people over the age of 50.
Vaccination appointments are being taken by phone or text on 0467 945 959. Walk-ins will be accepted and given a time on either day.
General Manager of Bourke Shire Council, Mark Riley, said that the community clinic was a great outcome for residents of Bourke Shire.
“Council extends its thanks to Mark Coulton and Scott McLaughlin and Priscilla and Gabrielle at the LHD for making this happen,” Mr Riley said.
“And I would encourage all residents to take advantage of the clinic.
Mr Riley said that he had received the first of his two-part AstraZeneca vaccination in Dubbo a couple of weeks ago.
“I am happy to advise that I had limited side effects with a bit of a sore neck being about the extent of it,” Mr Riley said.
“Whilst vaccination is ultimately a personal choice, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to help protect ourselves, our families and the broader community,” he said
The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary and free for everyone in Australia, regardless of Medicare or visa status.
COVID scare underlines need for vaccination
Residents of Bourke and Brewarrina are being urged to get their COVID vaccinations as authorities continue to track down locations visited by a Victorian couple who tested positive to the virus while travelling through western NSW on their way to Queensland last week.
Hundreds of people have inundated COVID test centres in Forbes, Dubbo, and Moree because of the threat of infection posed by the pair.
Operations Manager of Ochre Health Northern Cluster Damian Pennyfield said the declaration of several ‘areas of concern’ underpinned the need for the community to vaccinate against the virus.
“If anyone develops any symptoms they should get tested and get vaccinated,” Mr Pennyfield said.
“Even if you have been vaccinated and you develop symptoms, you should still get tested.
“There are test sites at all our centres – Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Coonamble and Collarenebri.
“The fact that there has been heightened concern about the risks posed by these people visiting Dubbo, Coonabarabran, and Moree, emphasises why people should make an appointment with their GP and get vaccinated.
“We have a good supply chain now for the AstraZeneca for people over 50, and the Pfizer vaccine is now available to people aged 40-50.
“We have seen a slow uptake of the vaccination with only about 11 per cent of people in Bourke and Brewarrina getting their shot so this is a reminder that people should get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said.
Sites of COVID concern
Late last week, new sites were added to the list of venues of concern for authorities. As of Friday, June 11, anyone who attended the following venues at these times is required to immediately get tested and isolate until they receive further advice from NSW Health.
Forbes – Lake Forbes Motel on 1st June from 1.30pm to 12noon
Forbes – The Bakehouse on 1st June from 2.30pm to 2.50pm
Forbes – Browns Sportspower, 1st June from 3pm to 3.30pm
Forbes – Vandenberg Hotel on 1st June from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Forbes – Lake Forbes Motel on 2nd June from 12 midnight to 10am
Forbes – Brew Coffee Bar on 2nd June from 7:00am to 10:00am
Dubbo – Shell Petrol Station at West Dubbo on June 2 from 10:30am to 11:30am
Dubbo – Best & Less on 2nd June from 12.20pm to 1pm
Dubbo – Church Street Café on June 2 from 11:30am to 2:30pm
Dubbo – Coles on June 2, 4.50pm to 5pm
Dubbo – Reading Cinema on June 2 from 6:00pm to 10pm
Dubbo – PK’s Bakery, on June 3 7.30am-8.45am
Dubbo – Homestead Hotel between June 2 from 12:00pm to June 3 10:00am
Coonabarabran – Coles Express, June 3 from 11am-12noon.
Moree – Assef’s Clothing Store, June 3 from 3pm-3.30pm.
Moree – Amaroo Tavern on June 4 from 4:30pm to 11:00pm
Moree – Cafe Omega: June 3 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm, June 4 from 7:00am to 9:30am, June 4 from 11:50am to 2:00pm
Moree – Gwydir Carpark/Motel & Thermal Pools, June 3 from 1:45pm to 11:59pm, June 4 all day, June 5 from 12:00am to 7:30am
Moree – Woolworths Balo Street on June 3 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.