Vax clinic at footy a winner for the community

IT is the region’s biggest modern day corroboree, but even football played second fiddle at this year’s annual Bindal Sharks All Blacks Carnival.

Instead it was about protecting the community, with carnival organisers putting a focus on vaccination.

Townsville Hospital and Health service set up a vaccination clinic at the event where 69 people received the jab.

There was also a lucky door prize for people who had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccination before the event.

More than 700 people entered the running for the signed Queensland Maroons 2021 jersey which had been provided by QRL Northern division.

Bindal Sharks chief executive officer Jenny Pryor said the carnival had provided the perfect platform to begin the conversation about getting vaccinated.

“We were aiming for 170 vaccinations, but it was 69 we never had before,” she said.

“There was also hundreds of conversations. The nurses went through the crowd and spoke to people and there was a lot of people coming up and asking questions so I know they were very happy.”

National Indigenous Australians Agency senior adviser Geogina Alsop, who partnered with the Bindal Sharks for the carnival, said the organisation wanted more people to continue getting the jab.

“We want as many people vaccinated as soon as possible to protect the entire community,” she said.

“Vaccines are safe and they are available now. If you have any concerns, don’t believe everything you read on the internet.”