Goondiwindi Regional Council becomes first local government in Queensland to reach 80 per cent double vaccination rate

A small regional council southwest of Toowoomba has beaten its city counterparts to become the first local government area in Queensland to reach 80 per cent double vaccination. Here’s how they did it.

Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg. Photo Mark Cranitch.

Whenever Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg would talk to someone in his local region over the past six months, he would always bring up vaccinations.

“I take every opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination, both publicly and privately,” he said.

“I do it multiple times a week, whether it be in print, on radio, through our council channels — I just promote it all the time.”

The former Nationals leader and lifelong public servant has thanked his community for listening to the message after the Goondiwindi region became the first local government area in Queensland to reach an 80 per cent double vaccination rate.

Now far ahead of bigger centres like Toowoomba, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the small border council is also the first to get 90 per cent of eligible residents with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The LGA is the most prepared in Queensland ahead of the December 17 border deadline set by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which will open the borders up to more interstate travel.

Mr Springborg said the achievement was not simply because of its size or proximity to New South Wales, noting if that was the case, other councils would be in similar positions.

He said the council had played a key role in providing strong, consistent messaging as well as co-ordinating with health authorities, community groups and local businesses to make the vaccination process as easy as possible.

Lawrence Springborg. Photo Mark Cranitch.

“From our perspective, we’ve just encouraged our community to put themselves in the safest position when Covid comes,” Mr Springborg said.

“It’s important to encourage people to be vaccinated, publicise it as much as possible and build confidence in it.

“Local government is the closest government to people – when you look at the services we provide on a day-to-day basis, we should take that opportunity to promote confidence (in vaccines) and build that sense of security.

“As soon as we could secure clinics, I’d work with (health authorities) straight away, I’d give them the buildings (they needed) straight away for free and ask what they’d need — we made it so easy for our health authorities.”

Mr Springborg said he even rang the region’s major employers to ask them about allowing their employees to leave work to get jabbed.

“I did things like getting the local chambers of commerce, I rang the employers of lots of people and they would let people go on their own time,” he said.

“Our local big employers were really great to work with.”

But he said ultimately the milestone was thanks to Goondiwindi residents getting on board.

“Our community has a strong mindset, that it’s about protecting themselves and their families,” he said.

“We just want to thank our community — our local health professionals, medical centres, pharmacies, the public health network, they have been wonderful as well.”

Darling Downs Health’s acting head of emergency operations Michelle Forrest congratulated the Goondiwindi region for rolling up its sleeves.

“The health service staged its first rural ‘super clinic’ in Goondiwindi in June with 3002 residents receiving their first vaccination,” she said.

“This exceeded our expectations and set a precedent for future rural clinics.

“We haven’t done it by ourselves – I would also like to acknowledge the work done by the Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network, local GPs and pharmacies in vaccinating our Goondiwindi communities.

“Their local vaccination rate will no doubt hold them in good stead as we start to see more

restrictions eased and increased interstate movements.

“Well done to Goondiwindi for being one of the most vaccinated locations in the state.

“You have done the right thing to protect yourselves, your loved ones, your communities and, ultimately, the entire state.”

VOUCHERS ON OFFER AT TOOWOOMBA CLUBS

Toowoomba residents yet to receive their first dose have another reason to start getting vaccinated against Covid-19 with $10,000 worth of meal vouchers on offer through selected local clubs.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said people might be enticed by a $10 voucher that could be used at local clubs.

The clubs included in the list are the Toowoomba Sports Club, Club Glenvale, Club Toowoomba and the Dalby Leagues Club.

“It’s another good reason to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Getting the jab means you’re 80 per cent less likely to get Covid and pass it on – it’s a great thing to do for yourself and your community.

“It’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeve, get the jab and then roll up to your local club and have a feed.”

Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said Queensland’s community clubs wanted to do their bit to support the vaccine rollout.

“Getting vaccinated is the best things Queenslanders can do to keep safe and healthy and keep our community connected,” Mr Egan said.

“Community clubs connect everyone and as an industry, we’re happy to support our community by encouraging people to get vaccinated.”

The vouchers will be available from tomorrow.