Hundreds immunised at Sunday Pfizer clinic

Narrabri’s COVID vaccination program wasn’t scheduled to begin until 9.30 on Sunday morning but the first people to arrive at The Crossing Theatre hub for their shots were on the front steps at 6am.

Co-ordinator of the vaccination hub, Narrabri Shire Council’s Lindsay Mason, was there to greet them.

At the end of a busy day, 653 doses of COVID vaccine had been administered.

Hundreds more were expected to be distributed on Monday.

The early birds were the first of many hundreds who queued through the day for their shots.

By 8 am the line of people reached from Leitch Oval along the new riverside pathway, through The Crossing Theatre grounds and carpark to the front door.

Along the route, volunteers were there to help if needed.

Rain threatened but didn’t eventuate – a wet day would have been an uncomfortable background to the all important event.

“Actually, I hope it rains,” one of the queuers laughed. “People might go home and we will go to the front of the line.”

There were plenty of umbrellas at the ready, and several people brought chairs along to ease the journey.

It was a long day for those seeking COVID shots and for the volunteers overseeing and working in the huge logistics exercise.

But patience and good humour were the order of the day as the line slowly moved forward, first to The Crossing Theatre foyer to be met by volunteers and on to the auditorium to wait their call, be documented and receive their shots.

The bizarre COVID era has brought many firsts and this massive exercise was a first for Narrabri.

Thanks to careful pre-planning by organisers, health authorities, emergency services and volunteers in the weeks prior, the day was a smooth flowing triumph of orderly progress and patience.

“There were 160 vaccinations in the first hour,” reported Mr Mason.

This was an impressive statistic, and a tribute to the planning and execution of the program.

Many volunteer individuals and agencies ensured the day was a success in achieving its aims.

The organisation and administration of the vaccination hub included Hunter New England Health personnel, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Narrabri Shire Council, Narrabri Rotary, SES, VRA, Rural Fire Service, police and The Crossing Theatre staff.