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Low indigenous vaccination rates risk widening the gap in Latrobe Valley and Gippsland

Vaccine hesitancy and testing hesitancy in Victoria’s Indigenous communities’ risks pushing people further into disadvantage under the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to offer more freedoms to people who are fully-vaccinated.

By news@gippsland - 18th October 2021 - Back to News

Geographic data (SA4) from the Australian Government has revealed serious gaps in Victoria’s vaccine rollout in Indigenous communities, with the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland regions recording 39.53 per cent double dose and 65.13 per cent. Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Peter Walsh said although Indigenous vaccination rates in inner Melbourne were higher, the rollout elsewhere has been dangerously slow.

Logistical challenges, supply issues, and confusion and hesitancy have played a role in delaying the vaccine rollout to Indigenous communities

Concerns with vaccine hesitancy

Mr Walsh said, "High vaccination rates are the key to protecting ourselves and those around us, particularly vulnerable members of the community. But immunisation is dangerously low in Victoria’s Aboriginal communities, which will leave many people exposed as the statewide double dose benchmarks are reached."

"Victoria’s roadmap is developed around a ‘vaccine economy’, with proof of double dose vaccination required to take part in community sport, work as an ‘authorised worker’, to go to cafes and restaurants and to attend events. If the Andrews Labor Government fails to work with Indigenous communities to address locals’ concerns with vaccine hesitancy and testing hesitancy, their roadmap will take away further opportunity." Mr Walsh said.

North west Victoria has the lowest rates in the state, with less than 40 percent of Indigenous people aged 15 and over being fully vaccinated, while 66.86 per cent have received their first dose. It’s compared to the region’s overall rate of 65.2 percent fully vaccinated. Shepparton, the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland are also barely halfway to the state’s overall target of 80 per cent where major freedoms will be offered to those who are double dosed.

Australian Government data on Indigenous vaccination rate

Pictures from Victorian Aboriginal Health Service -VAHS Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  New appointed committee members and farmers survey completion to better assist the agricultural sector.
• Dog friendly holiday accommodation in Gippsland when planning your next family break
  Dog lovers, think beyond accommodation where you’re permitted to bring your dog, to next-level pooch-dedicated resorts.
• Federal assistance of $7 million paid to Gippsland local governments for first quarter 2021-22
  Local governments in Monash have received their first 2021-22 quarterly payment through the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant program.
• NYE on the Hill 2021 three day festival near Loch Village in South Gippsland gets $178,200 from federal Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund
  Receiving support from the government to give more opportunities to the arts sector, as well as job opportunities for the community.
• Safer speed limit for Forge creek Road in East Gippsland to reduce its unenviable crash and trauma record
  A new 80km/h speed limit will be introduced on Forge Creek Road from Monday, August 23, to help tackle its unenviable crash and trauma record.
• Lakes Entrance recognised wins Top Tourism Town Awards with East Gippsland towns Paynesville and Mallacoota placing high
  East Gippsland towns being on top of the tourism awards.
• Residents invited to give feedback on South Gippsland's Community Vision project
  South Gippsland residents are invited to get involved in shaping up the community vision project of the council.
• Sale air show to get flying start for Gippsland in 2022 by Wellington Shire Council
  An event that would give chance to reconnection of former air force colleagues, attract visitors that would also give boost to the economy.
• Darren Chester encourages eligible Gippslanders to get vaccinated
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging eligible Gippslanders to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Nominate a local hero for East Gippsland Shire Australia Day Awards
  Perfect time to shine a spotlight on an unsung hero who has made a positive contribution to our community.
• Restarting arts festivals in West and South Gippsland with Festivals Australia federal program
  Program that supports community participation in, and access to, the arts experience at a festival.
• Archibald prize 2021 to be hosted by Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale in October
  Australia’s favourite art award, the prestigious Archibald Prize for portraiture is coming to Gippsland.
• Worker shortage will derail Victorian and Gippsland farms and agriculture businesses
  The Andrews Labor Government has failed to step up to the plate to solve a desperate shortage of workers across Victorian farms and agriculture businesses.
• Sharon Jervis, Jane Ponting and other locals thanked for East Gippsland Community Vision 2040 contribution
  East Gippsland residents who contributed to the development of the Community Vision 2040 earlier this year were on Tuesday celebrated for their contribution to the community.
• Sandhill Road Reserve protects endangered Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland vegetation
  A project to restore land at Stratford once used for cattle grazing to a nature reserve, is now ready for the public to enjoy thanks to a collaboration between Wellington Shire Council and Avon Landcare Group.
• Young Archie 2021 exhibition now open at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale
  Gippslanders will get a unique first look at Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art award when the Archibald Prize opens in Sale next week.
• Free adaptable community training in South Gippsland to recover from challenges of 2020
  Free workshops for the community to join to help their organisations for more success.
• List of the best things to see in Gippsland for spring 2021
  Spring is an amazing time to visit Gippsland with the fragrant gardens, thunderous waterfalls, and outdoor wanderings, events that are surely a must see.
• Landfill tender for South Gippsland out this weekend
  Transfer stations and hard waste collection services to start on 3 July.
• Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants East rip off for Gippsland may be avoided says Darren Chester
  The Federal Government is backing away from a plan which would have short-changed bushfire impacted communities in East Gippsland, according to local MP Darren Chester.
• Extension of First Home Loan Deposit Scheme supports Gippslanders achieve their dream of owning a home
  Support for those who plan to buy and own a home.
• Victorian Electoral Commission calls for candidates for the upcoming South Gippsland Shire Council election from 16 September 2021
  Nominations to stand as a candidate for the South Gippsland Shire Council general election open on Thursday 16 September.
• Roll out rapid testing to help save iconic Victorian spring racing carnival
  Major event that has been awaited by the crowd to forecast on 5 November.
• Walk-in COVID-19 testing site now at Moe Senior Citizens Centre
  The Moe Senior Citizens Centre will operate as a walk-in COVID-19 testing site from tomorrow (7 September) as case numbers rise across Victoria.
• Another horror month from VLine from commuters on Gippsland trains
  V/Line’s reliability plummeted to a record low last month, including on train lines to Gippsland and Bairnsdale.
• Conversion of Lakes Entrance landfill to transfer station by East Gippsland Shire Council near completion
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s investment to turn the landfill in Lakes Entrance into a transfer station
• The Disability Gateway is new one-stop shop for support to people in Gippsland with a disability
  People with disability can now access support team which includes information, programs and support available.
• Federal funding boost to upgrade Traralgon-Maffra road across Latrobe City and Wellington Shire
  Major upgrades for road improvements and driver's safety.
• Federal funding boost to upgrade Traralgon-Maffra road across Latrobe City and Wellington Shire
  Major upgrades for road improvements and driver's safety.
• Federal Tourism Minister Dan Teham MP joins One Gippsland as board member
  One Gippsland has welcomed an influential new member with Destination Gippsland joining the Board to help drive the alliance’s tourism agenda.
• Key dates when running as a councillor in South Gippsland Shire Council election 2021
  Local council election key dates.
• Andrews Labor government all quiet on planning for Traralgon highway bypass
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says it’s critical the Andrews Government accelerates the consultation process for the final planning and design of the long-awaited Traralgon bypass.
• Morwell Centenary Rose Garden greatly improved by Friends of Garden with funding from Latrobe City Council and Advance Morwell
  Morwell Centenary Rose Garden receiving and appreciating funding support from the council to complete the installation of permanent bricks edging around garden beds.
• Andrews Labor Government still won’t roll it out rapid antigen testing to help revive major events
  Andrews government still not giving a plan to end the uncertainty of lockdown.
• Kellie O’Callaghan elected as Mayor and Dan Clancey as Deputy Mayor for Latrobe City Council in 2021/22
  New Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been elected.
• Pandemic-driven property price rises putting the squeeze on Gippsland and other regional home buyers
  Property and rental price hike in regional Victoria, while availability in other areas are dropping.
• 2021 Australian Netball Championships format revamped as September event at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium postponed
  The Australian Netball Championships will be played in a decentralised format this year, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for sport.
• Baw Baw shire businesses take out prestigious Gippsland Business Awards 2021
  Businesses across Baw Baw and the region have been recognised for their outstanding contribution and achievements
• Australia day awards for 2020 nominations open for people that have gone above and beyond in South Gippsland Shire
  Nominations are now open for the South Gippsland Australia Day Awards.
• Three new breweries in from Orbost, Warragul and Traralgon helping put Gippsland on the beer lover’s map
  Three new breweries in Gippsland for you to visit.