Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.

These wise words came from internationally-renowned author Helen Keller, likely early in the 20th century.

One-hundred years later, that quote rings particularly true in Narrabri in wake of one of the biggest joint efforts this shire has seen.

We saw Keller’s words put into action as government agencies and local organisations joined forces to immunise what was expected to be almost 1000 people at The Crossing Theatre on Sunday and Monday.

Health professionals from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and NSW Health worked with Narrabri Shire Council, local emergency services and the Rotary Club of Narrabri for the mammoth two-day undertaking. In Wee Waa, its clinic involved the local Aboriginal land council.

Reflecting back on Keller’s words, that power of togetherness is what drives true change.

Individually, these agencies and organisations would unlikely have been able to facilitate such an undertaking.

This certainly isn’t because of an inability to do so, each of those groups is skilled and has the aptitude to deliver change.

But successful change at such an enormous scale in the community can only be done collaboratively.

This same quote can be applied at a higher level.

The collaboration of governments across the world has resulted in Australia bolstering its immediate supply of vaccinations.

Deals between Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom have seen immunisations delivered some months before their expected arrival.

This collaboration will speed up vaccination in our nation at a time when it’s needed most.

These countries which have swapped doses are far ahead of Australia in the distribution of inoculations.

In return, Australia will boost these countries’ supplies at a time when it’s likely to be needed once more.

From an international level to locally, collaboration comes in varying forms.

However, the one thing they all have in common is a desire to bring change.

A glean back at history will show that some of the world’s greatest achievements have resulted from togetherness. So too have some of the darkest chapters of history.

France and Russia alone could not have taken on Germany in the First World War.

It was the work of the Allied Powers, a contingent of nations, that defeated Germany and the other countries that formed part of the Central Powers.

The Second World War was equally as similar in this sense of collaboration.

No one individual or organisation can effect change at such an enormous level locally or globally, but together, collaboration is such a powerful thing to behold.

To order photos from this page click here