State Emergency Service is playing a key role in the vaccine rollout in South Western Sydney, which has now delivered 500,000 jabs.
The milestone belongs to a university student getting his second dose of the vaccine.
SES volunteers in their distinctive bright orange uniforms have been lending a helping hand to the thousands of people who arrive at vaccination centres across South Western Sydney Local Health District.
The District’s Covid-19 incident controller Sonia Marshall said SES volunteers had done a terrific job helping with vaccination check-ins, providing directions and coordinating the vaccination lines.
“Their help has meant more of our staff have the time to provide vaccinations to our community,’’ Ms Marshall said.
“The SES volunteers have been fantastic. They have helped in so many ways, whether it is a friendly greeting or helping to answer a question from a community member.’’
SES metropolitan zone commander Greg Swindells said volunteers were ready to assist communities whenever their help was needed.
“We usually assist with emergencies relating to floods and storms, but we’re happy to assist our community in their time of need during the pandemic,’’ Mr Swindells said.
“Our volunteers have stepped up to this new challenge and I am very proud of their efforts.’’
Silver Esho, 25, the university student who has become the 500,000th person to receive the vaccine from South Western Sydney Local Health District staff, says he was inspired to get vaccinated against Covid-19 to protect the community and to return to a normal life.
“I am really happy and grateful to receive the 500,000th dose and to be part of something to keep everyone safe,’’ said Mr Esho, who migrated to Australia from Iraq with his parents in 2013.
To find a vaccination clinic near you, visit: www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au
