How this Cape community is leading the Covid jab race

Lack of transparency on Indigenous vaccination has been called out as “embarrassing” by the state opposition leader during a visit to a Cape York town leading the way in inoculation rates.

LACK of transparency on Indigenous vaccination has been called out as “embarrassing” by the state opposition leader during a visit to a Cape York town leading the way in inoculation rates, as pressure mounts on jab-resistant communities to boost appalling rates.

The community of Lockhart River on the eastern Cape York Peninsula is being held up a model for others to follow after reaching a 80 per cent first dose milestone this week.

And 68 per cent of a population of around 800 were double jabbed.

Proactive messaging from Mayor Wayne Butcher and strong connections between Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council and health providers have been behind the positive uptake.

The remote Cape York indigenous community of Lockhart River has surpassed a single jab rate of 80 per cent this week. Picture: Peter Carruthers

The rates are streaks ahead of Yarrabah which on Wednesday recorded a single vax rate of 60.2 per cent and 38.1 per cent were fully protected.

“Science has proven the fact that the vaccine has worked and the vaccine is the best defence we have against Covid,” he said.

“The foundation we had is a great relationship between the Primary Health Care Centre in the community. And we got some really good workers who are great leaders in the health forum.

“I was the first one to roll up the sleeves … and as leaders we’ve all rolled up the sleeves and have used social media to our advantage because 60 per cent of the local young people are following me on Facebook.”

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher and Opposition leader David Crisafulli discuss indigenous vaccination rates at Lockhart River. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Cr Butcher said a big part of the challenge to boost vaccination rates was combating misinformation on social media and having an understanding that all communities are unique.

But with a Queensland border now open after hitting a 70 per cent vaccination trigger point last week and the virus creeping into Northern Territory communities Cr Butcher said now was the time to get the jab.

“All I can do is encourage people to get vaccinated,” he said.

Lockhart River, Cape York is being held up a model for others to follow after reaching a 80 per cent first dose milestone this week. Picture: Peter Carruthers

During a flying visit to Lockhart River on Tuesday when asked about dissent from federal MPs on vaccination and state mandates LNP leader David Crisafulli stopped short of opposing the latest Covid restrictions that require all visitors to pubs, clubs and restaurants to be fully vaccinated.

“We’ve asked questions about how that relates to small and family business, and how that relates to their staff and about how that relates to law enforcement of it,” he said.

“They’re questions that remain unanswered.”

Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher said a big part of the challenge to boost vaccination rates was combating misinformation on social media. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Mr Crisafulli has come under fire from Lockhart River Ministerial Champion Mark Bailey for not condemning the spreading of Covid “misinformation” by LNP party members, including George Christensen.

“Lockhart River was an opportunistic effort where he maintained his silence … David Crisafulli should have shown some leadership and truly get behind the vaccine push by calling out his own party members who are actively undermining the Covid health message online,” the Transport Minister said.

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said while there were logistical obstacles to remote Cape vaccine delivery, there had been other hurdles.

“There’s also no doubt that misinformation on social media has been a big challenge in our First Nations communities, much of it coming from Queensland LNP members,” she said.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli arrives in Lockhart River to see first-hand how the community has achieved an 80 per cent first dose jab rate. Picture: Peter Carruthers

While Mr Crisafulli reserved judgment on fellow party members he did come out swinging on the withholding of Indigenous vaccination data.

“I’m deeply concerned that of the 17 Indigenous councils, we only get official data for two. It’s embarrassing,” he said.

“Both levels of government should be screaming for it. It’s been an issue of concern for me for some time. And I’ve continued to ask for that data.

“Because if we get it, we can measure it, and we can lift performance

“(But) there seems to be a culture where the state wants to keep the data on everything.”

Originally published as How this Cape community is leading the Covid jab race