COVID-19 vaccinations for western Sydney’s Aboriginal community at Kimberwalli

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from western Sydney, their families and household members, aged 12 years and over, are urged to book their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at Kimberwalli, operated by Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD).

The new vaccination centre at Kimberwalli, the Aboriginal Centre for Excellence in Whalan, will provide culturally sensitive healthcare to the community from Monday 13 September.

Staff who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander will provide information about vaccination and help administer up to 400 vaccinations every day.

A yarning space will be available to guide people through the consent process and farewell packs will be handed out to support families.

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy said the District is operating the vaccination centre to help ensure priority groups have access to COVID-19 vaccination in culturally appropriate settings.

“Our COVID-19 Vaccination Outreach Program has been doing incredible work to reach our diverse community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and they’re continuing their important work at Kimberwalli,” Mr Loy said.

WSLHD Aboriginal health strategy director Braiden Abala said the new vaccination centre at Kimberwalli is another way to keep western Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community safe.

“COVID-19 is spreading quickly and vaccination is the best way of protecting our mob from getting really sick from the virus,” Mr Abala said.

“Vaccination helps protect our community, Elders, family and friends. People want to get vaccinated and we are working hard to make this experience culturally appropriate, supportive and easy.”

Head of Aboriginal Affairs NSW Lil Gordon said the opening of vaccination centres in locations that were familiar to the local Aboriginal community was an important part of lifting vaccination rates.

“This is a great opportunity for these communities to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones, so my message to Western Sydney mob is: ‘Let’s do this’,” Ms Gordon said.

To make a booking, call 1800 922 886 between 8am – 8pm and let the team know you are calling to book your COVID-19 vaccinations at Kimberwalli.

You must not attend your vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result. You should also not attend if you are a close contact.

Remember, if you have COVID symptoms – like a runny nose, sore throat or cough – please get tested. You will not get in trouble or fined if you test positive to COVID.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available every day at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre and across western Sydney. Learn more and book your appointment today at nsw.gov.au/covid-19