Johnathan Thurston asks Yarrabah community to get vaxxed, with some incentives in return

Footy legend Johnathan Thurston has made a huge promise to Yarrabah – but it’s dependent on the community drastically improving its Covid vaccination rates.

NRL legend Johnathan Thurston has pleaded with the people of Yarrabah to get vaccinated – urging Yarrabah footy fans to show their “never say die” spirit.

Yarrabah residents woke up on Thursday morning to a letter from the former Cowboys and Maroons hero, offering a personal deal to give powerful support to the indigenous community.

In the letter he said he was deeply concerned about the low vaccination rates.

“I am reaching out to the Yarrabah community as I am concerned about the low Covid-19 vaccination rates in your community,” he said.

“With the borders opening up in December and Yarrabah’s close proximity to Cairns, I’m worried about the health and safety of your community.”

Thurston said he was serious about his concern and to show them a gesture of his commitment he would put a challenge to them.

Johnathan Thurston sent a letter to Yarrabah residents on Thursday morning telling them about the concern he has about their vaccination rates. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“When your community hits the 70 per cent double vaccinated rate, the JT Academy will provide a generous sponsorship package to the men’s and women’s Seahawks rugby league teams,” he said.

“I will also put on my Seahawks jersey and pledge to be your number one fan for the 2022 season.”

Yarrabah Seahawks won a dramatic CDRL grand final last month, sparking jubilant scenes of pride at Barlow Park.

The vaccination rate in Yarrabah stands at 50.7 per cent single dose and 29.8 per cent per cent double dose.

Yarrabah is lagging behind Cairns, which has 68 per cent of residents fully vaccinated and 79.6 per cent with a single dose.

Thurston said the community would need to hit the 70 per cent target by December 2021 to keep up their end of the bargain. He said he would be keeping in touch with Mayor Ross Andrews and the team from Gurriny Yealamucka health service to monitor vaccination rates daily.

The JT Academy has been working closely with the Yarrabah community since 2019 to provide employment initiatives and community programs aimed at employment, education and wellbeing.

Johnathan Thurston has offered the Yarrabah community some incentives if they reach the 70 per cent double vaccinated rate.

Thurston said in his letter he had a close connection with the Yarrabah community.

“I know in my heart the best way to protect your community is to be vaccinated. I have a close connection with your community and many across Yarrabah,” he said.

“The JT Academy team members, the young women who participate in our academy, and I care about you all and want you to stay safe.”

The community of Yarrabah has been lagging with their vaccination rates despite moves such as door-to-door knocking and pop up vax hubs at sporting events

Yarrabah and Douglas Shire Indigenous leaders have also put out calls for the community to stop being hesitant and get the vaccines.

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston asks Yarrabah community to get vaxxed, with some incentives in return