GET A JAB AND THEN HEAD TO THE AMATEURS

THE Cairns Convention Centre transformed for perhaps its most important production on Friday. Families, singles and large groups made the pilgrimage to get their vaccination and walked out the doors Covid heroes.

Queensland Health is hoping to give 1500 vaccinations a day over its three-day jab-a-thon, which should take Cairns over the 100,000 threshold.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, in Cairns for the occasion, suggested those heading to the iconic Amateurs race day get the needle before their afternoon of fun.

“Make sure on your way there, not on your way back if you’ve had a drink or two – but on your way there, pop in and get vaccinated,” Ms D’Ath said.

I couldn’t think of a better accessory than a little Band-Aid proving how much you care for your community.

We still have work to do though. In the community of Yarrabah, where some of our most vulnerable reside, only 26.1 per cent have had at least their first dose.

Community leaders must step up here and do what they can to support Queensland Health and the Cairns service in their efforts.

CHHHS executive director of medical services Don Mackie said parents were rolling up to the mass vax centre with children before school with the vaccination age ranging from 12 to 59.

Far Northerners are notorious for being bad at booking early for events.

So there should be great appeal in a centre that caters for people to walk in even though bookings are preferred.

Please, keep up the momentum, Far North.

Make the effort and help our community move on from Covid.

Let’s give ourselves the best Christmas present ever.