Revealed: Covid vaccination status of all Rockhampton Regional councillors

With residents urged to get vaccinated ahead of the border reopening and new restrictions from December 17, we reveal which Rockhampton Regional Councillors have been jabbed, who hasn’t, and why.

Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams.

They are leaders in our communities, but just where do our elected local government representatives stand when it comes to getting vaccinated against COVID-19?

The Morning Bulletin can reveal that Rockhampton regional councillors have sent strong messages to the community with the choices they have made, and their reasons behind those decisions.

At this stage, being unvaccinated is not a career-breaker for someone in an elected role despite it involving significant contact with the general public.

Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams.

Mayor Tony Williams: Vaccinated.

“I’m fully vaccinated and I had the flu shot. I’m doing it for my family and the community.”

Councillor Neil Fisher.

Deputy Mayor Neil Fisher (Division 2): Vaccinated.

“I have been fully vaccinated as all of my family. I had my first Pfizer vaccination days after having a round of chemotherapy. While I am very ill for 10 to 14 days after each chemo treatment, having the Pfizer vaccine I had no extra side effects. I would like to encourage anyone who has concerns about having the Covid vaccination, please consult your doctor and not Facebook. If I have come through the vaccinations with no ill effects, then you should as well.”

Councillor Shane Latcham.

Cr Shane Latcham (Division 1): Declined to reveal vaccination status.

“I would prefer not to reveal my vaccination status as I believe it is in the same category as the questions you should not ask at job interviews including: which political party do you generally vote? Are you religious? And if so, which religion? Are you a smoker? Are you single? etc etc.

Likewise, I find this question to be disrespectful. Sadly, society feels compelled to want to know without respecting one’s right to privacy. I am not an anti-vaxxer. I last received the flu jab around three years ago and have had all the required vaccinations from birth. Over the past 30 years, I have been generally immune to the common cold and flu. I do believe each individual has a choice to make for their own body and I respect their decision. I am concerned that the vaccination approval roll-out has been done too quickly. I do not believe in mandating vaccination as it is dividing our community. I support the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that at 80 per cent community vaccination, states should take away all restrictions; like NSW is implementing. I have spent much time researching both sides of the vaccination argument and I can say that I now support the stance of Livingstone Shire Council at their last council meeting to discuss this topic. I accept that it is each individual’s decision whether to be vaccinated or not and this should not prevent them from employment and being out in society. I do not support apartheid of any form. I believe the proposed mandate is dividing our community and placing undue stress on our community, businesses and families.

These views are mine and mine alone.”

Councillor Grant Mathers.

Cr Grant Mathers (Division 3): Vaccinated.

“I like many others had my concerns, however, after a great deal of consideration, I have now been double vaccinated and have chosen to do so for my elderly parents, family and the community.”

Councillor Ellen Smith.

Cr Ellen Smith (Division 4): Vaccinated.

“I have had both shots of Astra and I had no reaction. I had no hesitation in getting the Covid vaccination, as I’m an asthmatic and I need to protect my lungs. As a community leader, I felt compelled to protect not only myself, but my community, as I would hate to infect others if I was unlucky enough to contract it. I’m aware you can have no symptoms and still be a “carrier”. My grandparents both died just over a day apart with the Spanish Flu in June, 1919. They were aged 41 and 51, leaving behind six young children with the youngest still a baby, and my father - just nine years old. There was no vaccination and no cure for this terrible pandemic. How frightened they must have been. How lucky are we that we can be vaccinated against the Covid pandemic. It’s everyone’s choice, but my parents had no hesitation in getting me vaccinated for Polio, Tetanus, Rubella and all other preventable diseases. I am so thankful for that.”

Councillor Cherie Rutherford.

Cr Cherie Rutherford (Division 5): Vaccinated.

“Yes, I am double vaxed. There are times in our lives when we are asked to step outside our comfort zone for the greater good - this is one of those times. No-one is safe until we’re all safe so for the sake of our community now’s the time to put “we” above “me”.

Councillor Drew Wickerson.

Cr Drew Wickerson (Division 6): Vaccinated.

“I am very happy to advise that I made sure I was fully vaccinated as soon as possible. I made this decision after gathering qualified information from health and medical advice to lessen the risk of becoming infected and to reduce the symptoms of Covid-19 in the unlikely event that I catch the virus. In addition, my vaccination will also significantly reduce the risk to others, particularly the aged members of our community. When many restrictions ease on December 17, it is more likely that Covid cases in Central Queensland will increase, putting incredible pressure on local hospital staff and facilities. I strongly encourage anyone not already vaccinated to do so. If you have concerns, chat to your doctor for advice rather than social media “experts”. While the numbers of fully vaccinated locals is steadily increasing from one of the lowest in the state, we still have a long way to go.”

Councillor Donna Kirkland.

Cr Donna Kirkland (Division 7): Declined to reveal vaccination status.

“As the opportunity to partake in Covid-19 vaccination, currently considered our best defence against Covid, is not mandatory and is completely on a voluntary basis, it is my understanding that everyone’s decision in this is, and any other medical procedure, retains the right to personal choice and privacy.”

Originally published as Revealed: Covid vaccination status of all Rockhampton Regional councillors