As our nation continues to ramp up its vaccination efforts across every state, the teams at Michael Clarke Recreation Centre and Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre were provided the opportunity to support the New South Wales Health team with pop-up vaccination clinics at their venues on the 6th of August. Both venues are managed by Belgravia Leisure in partnership with Liverpool Council.
Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Waller urges Liverpool residents aged 18 and over to get vaccinated after receiving her first AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy.
“Getting many Australians fully vaccinated as soon as possible is key to safeguarding the community against the COVID-19 threat – and our freedom. It is important that everyone does their bit – this is not a halfway solution. If you are still feeling unsure about vaccination, consult your GP,” Mayor Waller said.
The New South Wales Health team at both Michael Clarke Recreation Centre and Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre consisted of injectors, technical officers and nurse managers along with a small team of police officers, fire brigade volunteers and army personnel who ensured that everything ran smoothly at the pop-up clinics.
Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre Manager Nathan Brady was pleased to have been able to support the vaccine roll out in New South Wales. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to use the aquatic facility whilst in lockdown. We are happy to provide this community service and be a part of protecting local Liverpool residents with the vaccine rollout,” Mr Brady added.
Michael Clarke Centre Manager Alecia Ebersole agreed that the pop-up clinics have been an excellent way to utilise the venues during lockdown. She explained, “Michael Clarke Rec Centre and three other venues were chosen due to the low levels of vaccination in the local community.”
Ms Ebersole described how she made herself available to be on site to open and help arrange the clinic. “Liverpool Council provided trestle tables and 100 chairs, while I assisted with signage, QR codes and organising safe entry and exit points. I offered water, tea, coffee etc. to the staff and provided comfortable chairs for the nursing staff who had to sit all day. The clinic ran from 8.30am to 4.30pm and we all there from 7.30am to 5pm to secure the site ready for next Friday,” Ms Ebersole added.
The pop-up clinics were very successful, with a total of 343 vaccinations administered on the day.
Pop-up clinics will continue to be held at Michael Clarke Recreation Centre and Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre over the coming weeks.
Find out more about Michael Clarke Recreation Centre here: https://www.michaelclarkecentre.com.au/ and Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre here: https://www.wendenpool.com.au/
