Statement from residents, Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service reveals Binjari and Rockhole community members upset by misinformation

Binjari and Rockhole residents have condemned misinformation on social media, urging Territorians to listen to the people in community.

UPDATE: TWO residents in Binjari and Rockhole have condemned Covid misinformation on social media, saying they are being treated with respect and dignity by authorities.

In statements provided on social media, Binjari resident Evonne Booth described the misinformation and for Territorians to listen to the people on the ground.

“I wanna say after seeing all the social media stories saying things about Binjari communities and the lockdown,” she said.

“This is not true, what people are saying is wrong. We have families outside the community and they are contacting us and we telling them what’s going on.

“If people wanna know what’s happening talk to us and our families and our mob. The army and police are not removing anyone against their will. There is no children getting forcibly vaccinated.

“People gotta stop and understand that this is about Covid and looking after our wellbeing, health and safety.

“All parents are making decisions for their kids and with them when they get tested.

We are being treated with respect by everyone.

“It’s frustrating being in lockdown but we got listen and stay in our houses. Stay strong and sit this out, this will pass.”

Rockhole resident Suzie Andrews described the Covid crisis as a “difficult time”.

“None of what is being said on that social media is true,” she said.

“No one is being forced and held down to get that vaccination. We are being looked after and have a voice to people that can answer our issues.

“We can ask the police and they are doing their best.

“All the workers are working hard in the heat in their suits and we know it’s not easy.

“This is a difficult time but we staying positive and caring for each other.”

EARLIER: RESIDENTS of Binjari and Rockhole say the misinformation being spread on social media about the areas’ Covid-19 response is causing significant harm to the communities, according to a statement.

The statement, released by Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service on behalf of Binjari and Rockhole residents, said people in the communities did not appreciate “people making comments that are untrue”.

“People are very hurt by the untrue comments being made in the media and social media about their situation,” the statement read.

“Support personnel and organisations are providing support to Binjari and Rockhole.

“We have been treated with a lot of respect and appreciate all the support being given by these support personnel people.

“We are in lockdown because we’re in the biggest fight of our lives. We’re trying to keep safe. We’re trying to do the right thing by the community and Katherine. We don’t need people out there creating another flood for us.

“We don’t appreciate outside people making comments that are untrue. People on social media saying that our people are being mistreated need to realise their comments are hurting the very people they claim to care about.

“We want people to respect our privacy and show respect for our feelings.”