Community partnerships helping to protect the North West against COVID-19

In a bold and innovative move to help protect some of the most remote communities in the North West, the North Queensland Cowboys, Rex Airlines, and North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) have forged a unique partnership.

A ‘Make the Choice’ Community Event will be held this month in Doomadgee, Mornington Island, and Mount Isa, featuring a free lunch, kids activities, meet and greets with the Cowboys, COVID-19 vaccinations, and a chance to win free Rex flights and Cowboys merchandise.

Cowboys veterans Matty Bowen and Antonio Winterstein will be taking to the skies thanks to Rex Airlines and NWHHS, and visiting Mount Isa, Doomadgee, and Mornington Island to promote and encourage the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Matty Bowen said he didn’t hesitate to support the promotion of COVID-19 vaccination across the North West as it was vitally important to protect some of Queensland’s most remote communities.

“I encourage everyone to come along and have a yarn with us and get vaccinated, or talk to the doctors about the vaccination,” Matty Bowen said.

Rex Airlines Queensland State Manager Steve Jones said the airline recognised the importance of protecting Australians against COVID-19 and will be the first in the country to have all frontline staff vaccinated by 1 November 2021.

Mr Jones said Rex had donated four complimentary return flights – two for each of the communities – for travel to either Mount Isa or Cairns. All vaccinated residents from Doomadgee and Mornington Island will be eligible to enter the prize draw.

“Reliable air links to remote and regional communities have never been more important than during the pandemic. Rex has a proud record of providing these essential services to Doomadgee and Mornington Island for the past 7 years, ensuring these regions remain connected with larger centres,” Mr Jones said.

NWHHS Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Christine Mann said the partnership between the three major stakeholders was a testament to the level of commitment to protect Queenslanders – especially the most vulnerable communities – against the current pandemic.

“Rex Airlines and the North Queensland Cowboys have shown themselves to be excellent corporate citizens during this pandemic and have shown no hesitation to assist us and our communities as we continue to protect North West Queenslanders against this virus,” Ms Mann said.

These events would not be possible without the support of important local community groups including Gidgee Healing, Doomadgee Council, Mornington Island Council and Mount Isa City Council.

Doomadgee Make the Choice Community Event, Doomadgee PCYC, 12.30pm, Monday October 11.

Mornington Island Make the Choice Community Event, Mornington Island PCYC, 11.30am, Tuesday October 12.

Mount Isa Make the Choice Community Event, Sunset Oval, 6.00pm, Tuesday October 12.

ENDS