Kimberley vaccination rollout gets $150,000 injection for Vaxathons

Joint media release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP

Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Hon Melissa Price MP

Minister for Defence Industry

The Morrison Government is providing an additional $150,000 to help local health services deliver additional Vaxathons in the Kimberley region.

Funds are being administered through the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Local Investment Fund and will ensure a number of remote communities are targeted by the vaccination drives.

“There is unprecedented collaboration across all levels of Government, health and community support sectors to boost Indigenous vaccination rates – our approaches need to be tailored, varied and culturally appropriate,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said.

“Vaxathons, where communities can host a number of activities in addition to pop-up clinics, are proving to be one of the best opportunities for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to learn more about the vaccines and get vaccinated.”

A number of towns have already been visited and the upcoming vaccination drives include:

• Broome, 13 October
• Halls Creek, 28 to 29 October
• Kununurra 2nd doses, 28 to 29 October
• Derby 2nd doses, 2 to 4 November

“As well as the additional funding, the National Indigenous Australians Agency will be helping at these events with on-the-ground logistical support and, ahead of each day, promoting them locally so the maximum number of people get involved.

“We are also working more broadly with the WA Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Aboriginal Engagement Team to organise community meetings and events in order to correct the ongoing misinformation amongst WA remote communities.”

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price, is urging all members of remote communities to consider their own health and that of their families and communities and protect themselves from COVID by getting both vaccinations.

“It is imperative and urgent for everyone’s wellbeing that as many people as possible are vaccinated as soon as possible. I want everyone in Durack, particularly those in remote communities, to stay safe and healthy so please make the most of these upcoming clinics,” she said.

“It takes a sustained effort to vaccinate our entire population. I’d like to thank the staff with Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, Wunan Health, Yura Yungi Medical Service, Derby Aboriginal Health Services, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services and the local Shires and Western Australia’s Department of Health for their extraordinary work,” Minister Wyatt said.