Cape York Weekly FREE – #060 | Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
UNVACCINATED TO BE SHUT OUT
No jab, no play By MARK KNOWLES
CAPE York communities are in a race to increase vaccination rates ahead of the pending spread of COVID-19 throughout the state when Queensland’s border opens. The harsh reality of being unvaccinated will set in when those without two doses will be locked out of venues and banned from activities such as golf and bowls. And then there is the virus and the likely major health impact on communities. Every mayor in Cape York is concerned about COVID-19. Hope Vale mayor Jason Woibo said that despite the strong efforts of state and local health agencies, many residents were complacent about getting vaccinated. “The bubble has protected us. When (COVID) first came out the media were showing mass burials and things that were happening ... that’s sort of died down,” he said. “Everyone is saying they have been protected by being so remote, nothing’s come through, so why should they (get vaccinated).” Cr Woibo said this attitude was particularly prevalent among younger people and urged them to come forward for their vaccination in order to protect the whole community. “It’s the people aged from 20 up to about 50, the younger sort of mob, that are causing us the most concern and the message we’re trying to get out is – if it’s not for you, do it for those around you,” he said.
MAJOR SIGNING FOR DIATREME Page 2
PALM COCKATOO UNDER THREAT Page 13 Rugby league icon Johnathan Thurston was in Aurukun yesterday to help promote the COVID-19 vaccination and healthy living in general. His trip was a result of a partnership formed between the Queensland government and the Johnathan Thurston Academy. The Queensland and Cowboys legend will also visit the NPA later this week. Picture: SONIA WALLER
He warned that a COVID-19 outbreak could have devastating consequences for Hope Vale and other Cape communities due to limited treatment options and facilities. “We really don’t have anything in place,” he said. The latest figures from Queensland Health show that 58 per cent of the eligible Cape York population aged 12 and over have re-
ceived their first dose of vaccine and 47 per cent are fully vaccinated. Queensland Health said overall vaccination rates are likely higher as these figures only apply to vaccinations delivered by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, but still not high enough to be close to 80 or 90 per cent. The average figures mask the fact that vaccination rates vary
widely between communities. For example, Pormpuraaw is leading the way with a vaccination rate of over 90 per cent, while many other communities are lagging below the 50 per cent mark. In a desperate bid to increase these rates, councils are turning to vouchers, social media, mobile vaccination clinics and door knocking campaigns. Four-page feature – INSIDE
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REMEMBRANCE DAY IN THE CAPE Pages 14 & 15