Councils commend communities in vaccination race

Published on 15 October 2021

Mayors and CEO’s on both sides of the border have commended their communities who are in a vaccination race for coming forward in record breaking numbers to get vaccinated.

In September this year, the councils of Berrigan, Federation, Indigo and Moira launched a joint campaign to share a simple message – Let’s do this, let’s get vaccinated.

The councils began a friendly challenge to see whose community can reach that 80% double vaccination goal the quickest, which will enable communities to open up in a safe way.

The race is tight, with Berrigan Shire Council currently sitting in first place, with 95% > first dose, and 74.8% second dose, followed closely by Federation Council at 95% > first dose, and 69.7% second dose. Indigo Shire Council is at 95% > first dose, and 68.8% double dose, and Moira Shire Council are sitting at 95% > first dose, and 65.9% double dose.

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said he and other leaders continue to be so proud of their respective communities.

“We are so close to coming out the other side of this, and our border communities have really done the hard yards to get to this point,” he said.

“Vaccination is a critical step in our defence against COVID-19 and I have no doubt that our community will continue to answer the calls and come forward to ensure the State of NSW and our friends across the river in Victoria reach our vaccination targets. Our percentages are nothing short of amazing, and I look forward to the day when we hit that 80 percent mark.”

Berrigan Shire Mayor, Matthew Hannon said he is proud of the vaccination rates of the community to date and strongly encourages those who are unvaccinated to book their appointments.

“We need to not take our eye of the ball, and push our vaccination rates up over 80% to protect as many of our residents as possible,” he said.

“Much anticipated visitors will start returning to our area and that will mean that our chances of Covid coming to our Shire is real. We must be prepared.”

Indigo Shire Mayor Jenny O’Connor applauded all residents for doing their bit to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.

“This is an outstanding result and is testament to the people of Indigo, Berrigan, Federation and Moira Councils who all want the same thing and that is to return to some form of normality, for our businesses to recover and to look forward to the future.”

Moira Shire Council Mayor Libro Mustica said these current numbers are outstanding and show the dedication and commitment of all our communities to work together to keep us safe and well.

“Moira Shire is coming a distinguished fourth, but I think with a bit of a push we can overtake Federation, Indigo and Berrigan and start leading the way in this vaccination race.”