COVID Community heroes push vaccination drive

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has issued a plea for Noosa residents to get vaccinated.

The call comes as council and Noosa Today form a partnership to launch a community campaign to encourage as many locals as possible to book a COVID vaccination.

The campaign comprises a series of full-page advertisements and a social media campaign that shows our community vaccine heroes who have stepped up to get the jab.

Cr Stewart said our best defence against the virus is for people to get vaccinated.

“Getting vaccinated is our way out of COVD and protects our loved ones, community and businesses,” she said.

“If we want to return to ’normal’, a large percentage of our population is required to be vaccinated, so I call on everyone to join me in the fight to get our community back on its feet.”

Cr Stewart hoped putting local community faces to the vaccination program would be a catalyst to increasing vaccination rates in Noosa.

“With more cases of the Delta variant emerging, we need to guard against complacency and  we’re relying on everyone to do their bit,”

The We’re vaccinated – Are you? Campaign features Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, Noosa businessman Ralph Rogers, Noosa Police Senior Sergeant Ben Carroll, QFES Station Officer Rob Frey, Barb Sheriff from Tewantin Traders Association and many more.

Mayor Stewart received her first COVID-19 vaccination this week.

“The staff at Sunny Street vaccination hub are doing a wonderful job and a really helpful in providing detailed information about the vaccine,” she said.

Noosa’s professional triathlete Belinda Granger proudly endorses the campaign.

“I say don’t think about doing it for yourself, do it for the greater good of the Noosa community,” she said.

“The vaccination program is so important and I just hope more and more people start booking a spot.”

Community Services director Kerri Contini thanked the local legends for putting their face to such an important message.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of those who agreed to be part of it,” she said.

“There is some hesitancy in the community about vaccinations, so we just hope this community inspired campaign will motivate residents to make a booking and regain control over the COVID-19 situation,” Ms Contini said.

Ms Contini said council continued to provide support to government agencies and community organisations to increase vaccination rates across the shire.

“We simply want to create a movement towards vaccination,” Ms Contini said.