With the race to be fully-vaccinated underway, the Port Stephens LGA (Local Government Area) is leading the charge in the Hunter.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian recently denied the unvaccinated would have their freedoms restored at the government’s proposed 80% target in NSW, saying details were still being finalised.
However, at 70% double-dose coverage, which is expected to occur in about a month, those fully-vaccinated will have several liberties reinstated allowing for household visits, gatherings and hospitality.
So far, as of 13 September, more than 46% of people – aged 16 and older – have received both jabs within the state.
The Port Stephens LGA sits just below the NSW average at 45%, with Upper Hunter at 44.7%.
Lake Macquarie (43.7%), Dungog (43.3%) and Newcastle (42.3%) round out the top five.
Maitland (38.6%), Singleton (33.9%) and Cessnock (31.9) still have much work to do, despite facing limited opportunities to secure vaccines.
Disappointingly, Muswellbrook LGA is lagging behind by a big margin at 29.9%.
The milestone has delighted Port Stephens state MP Kate Washington and Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer.
“Residents in Port Stephens are doing the right thing and turning out in droves, not just to protect themselves and their loved ones, but to protect our vulnerable community as well,” the local member said.
“We are ahead of the pack in the Hunter region thanks to the massive efforts of our health professionals delivering thousands of jabs.
“But, I’m still being contacted by hundreds of residents who are desperate to get Pfizer appointments, however none are available until December.”
Ms Washington admitted the federal government’s vaccine rollout had been a “disaster”.
“It’s not fair that locals who want to get vaccinated will miss out on freedoms because they can’t secure an appointment,” she said.
“Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) recently advised that a larger supply of Pfizer will be available in October, and Moderna will be available in pharmacists towards the end of September.
“I know this will be welcome news in Port Stephens.
“Any opportunity to increase our vaccination coverage and protect our particularly vulnerable community is a very good thing.”
Cr Palmer echoed Ms Washington’s sentiments.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my community,” he said.
“These results tell us that we are taking COVID very seriously in Port Stephens.
“We’re all doing our bit to protect the most vulnerable – including our many older residents, as well as our kids.
“Our thriving business and tourism industry has been hit hard since 2020.
“I know our community is as keen as I am to open our doors once again and welcome visitors from outside our region back to Port Stephens.”
Cr Palmer, who recently received his second dose of AstraZeneca, is keen to see local youngsters among the next recipients.
“Getting our kids back to school – especially our infants and those completing their HSC – should be a top priority,” he said.
“They’ve done it tough during the past few months and the sooner we get them back to their friends and their studies, the better.
“Now that kids over 12 are eligible for their vaccine, I encourage everyone to talk to your GP about it as soon as you can.
“We’re nearly there.
“In the meantime, get those two vaccinations as soon as you can and continue to make COVIDSafe choices and we’ll be able to restart [our lives] sooner.
“I want to thank our entire community for their hard work and resilience during the past few months.
“It’s been so hard for so many of us but our hard work is paying off.”
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