MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (09:34):

I rise to acknowledge the great efforts of the Werribee community in getting vaccinated and striving through the current challenges of the pandemic. The start of 2022 has undoubtedly been difficult for my local community, as it has been for many Victorians. Wyndham’s incredible vaccination rate has shown us that the community is willing to overcome the hurdles of the global pandemic and keep each other safe.

I recently joined with Wyndham City Councillor Jennie Barrera and members of the Huddle at the home of the Werribee Football Club to acknowledge Western Health’s important project to distribute rapid antigen tests to our local CALD communities. Our government is also providing free rapid antigen tests to students and staff at local schools to protect our community and minimise disruption to learning.

We know that testing and vaccination boosters are vital in protecting us during the current omicron wave and slowing the spread of coronavirus. That is why I am pleased that the Andrews Labor government is making third-dose vaccinations accessible for Werribee locals, including those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. We are making vaccinations available at the Werribee Open Range Zoo through our K-pop program as well as through a number of schools across the Werribee electorate. Targeted and dedicated services such as these are effective in delivering vaccines for those who prefer getting vaccinated in a familiar, tested environment close to home. I sincerely thank the Werribee community for their continued vigilance and resilience.