Covid anti-vax display takes over Bundaberg park

An unauthorised, pop-up display claiming to pay respects to people who had never recovered after getting vaccinated against Covid-19 was erected outside the Bundaberg Civic Centre in Buss Park on Tuesday.

An unauthorised, pop-up display claiming to pay respects to people who had never recovered after getting vaccinated against Covid-19 was erected outside the Bundaberg Civic Centre in Buss Park on Tuesday.

The so-called Forest of the Fallen featured photographs and stories of people who were allegedly hurt or died from the vaccination, according to the organisers’ website.

A Bundaberg Regional Council spokesman said the display was not sponsored by the council and that no booking had been made to use the park.

A man at the display who manages an online Facebook page called Forest of the Fallen Bundaberg, and goes by the name of Kim, said he organised the display to show his support for a motion put to the Bundaberg council.

Joined by other anti-vaccination supporters, Kim said they wanted the Covid vaccine banned in the region until a thorough investigation was conducted.

A council representative said on Tuesday afternoon there were “no plans” to discuss the motion.

The display was very similar to others erected in various communities across Australia by the Forest of the Fallen group, which wants a “full national investigation” into the Covid vaccine, and claims the testimonies and photos used in the displays are real.

One of the Bundaberg testimonies from “Katrina Janowski”, who detailed her alleged reaction after she received her second covid-vaccination.

One of the Bundaberg testimonies from “Katrina Janowski”, who detailed her alleged reaction after she received her second covid-vaccination.

Her photo appears on a printed sign alongside a copy of an alleged Facebook post where it is alleged she awoke on day six with a “headache” and “vertigo” which lasted through the afternoon.

The story appears to have been collected from a public Telegram channel with ties overseas, where members share their stories.

In the lead-up to Tuesday’s display, a post made online detailed the reason for it.

“Forest of the Fallen gives a voice to those who have been affected by Covid19 vaccinations,” the statement read.

“The presentation includes stories from individuals and families who have experienced adverse reactions.”

The validity of the “testimonies” is unverified.

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing states:

“COVID-19 vaccines work like other vaccines,” it says.

“Vaccines help to train your body to recognise and fight against viruses that can cause illness, without giving you the illness itself.

anti-vax Bundaberg

“COVID-19 vaccines help the body recognise and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. They do not contain COVID-19 and you cannot get COVID-19 from having the vaccine.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) employs the scientists and medical experts who regulate and approve vaccines, medicines and other medical products for use in Australia. The TGA checks all COVID-19 vaccines for quality, safety and effectiveness before approving them for use in Australia. This is the same process that all vaccines go through in Australia.

“Medical experts at the TGA continuously check all vaccines to make sure they are safe. Vaccines are only approved for use in Australia after they have been assessed to show that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any risks.

“Millions of people around the world have now had COVID-19 vaccines, giving us real evidence and data that support using the vaccines.

“All vaccines approved for use in Australia are effective at stopping people from becoming very sick if they catch COVID-19.

“The vaccines have been thoroughly assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and found to be safe and effective. Read more about the vaccine approval process.

“Clinical trials and real-world data show that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness due to COVID-19.”

For more information on Covid and vaccines go to health.gov.au

One of the alleged “testimonies” in the unauthorised, pop-up display claiming to pay respects to people who never recovered after getting vaccinated against Covid-19 in Buss Park on Tuesday.