NSW RFS SUPPORTING VACCINE ROLLOUT In July 2021, an outbreak of the Delta strain of COVID-19 that started in Sydney’s eastern suburbs quickly moved into the Fairfield LGA in Sydney’s southwest. Within a short time, many of the cases in NSW were coming from the Fairfield LGA despite strict lockdowns. Fairfield quickly became a focus point for health officials due to the rising COVID-19 cases and the understanding that many of Sydney’s essential workers resided in this area. NSW Health set up a pop-up vaccination centre at the Prairiewood Community Centre within the Fairfield LGA on 14 July 2021 to lift vaccination rates in the area. The NSW RFS was heavily involved from the pop up clinic’s establishment, with volunteers from the Macarthur District contributing more than 1,500 hours to assist NSW Health and St John Ambulance Australia staff deliver almost 70,000 vaccinations. The vaccination hub at Prairiewood was originally intended to operate for several weeks to vaccinate local school teachers and aged care workers. However, the initiative was extended and the NSW RFS provided assistance for a period of two-anda-half months. NSW Health closed the Prairiewood vaccination pop-up at the end of October, after delivering approximately 90,000 vaccines since it was established. Main top, above and right: NSW RFS members providing support at the Prairiewood Community Centre pop up vaccine clinic. Far right: NSW RFS volunteers assisting at the one-day ‘pop-up’ hub at the Lao Buddhist Temple in Edensor Park. All photos by Andrew Macdonald.
10 BUSH FIRE bulletin || INCIDENTS
