A message from the Mayor on lockdown

Published on 15 August 2021

Do the right thing

As of 5pm on Saturday our shire has gone into lockdown. This has come about after the NSW Government declared the state would go into a snap lockdown after the number of infections reported in New South Wales on Saturday morning.

I doubt many of us felt surprised, given the news of the last few weeks, but that doesn’t  lessen the shock I know that I am feeling and I’m sure many of you are also experiencing.

We know that Coronavirus has and will cause disruption to local businesses and to our personal lives, but we must adjust the best we can.

The first thing I want to say is please look after yourself and those around you. These are tough times. While we are locked down, it is still possible to look after each other and check in on neighbours and friends in a COVID-safe manner. This is how we can all get through this together.

I also want to say thank you. Thank you for your patience and cooperation to date with the coronavirus restrictions and for your support in this lockdown.

But mostly I want to urge you to stay at home.

That might sound like a funny thing to say given the government have issued a "stay-at-home” order but the message from our Premier and NSW Health was very clear over the weekend. For our valley to get through this as quickly as possible we all need to be at our very best. This is a critical situation and you must stay at home unless you can prove you have a valid reason that complies with the health order.

Hopefully none of us do have this virus but we mustn't assume or act as though that is the case.

Finally, please get vaccinated and get tested. Those who are eligible for a vaccination need to be booking their appointments to get vaccinated. I’m now fully vaccinated, after receiving AstraZeneca, and feel safer knowing this.

And if you have even the slightest concern, symptom or suspicion you must get tested.

These are tough times, but that’s when the people of our valley come into their own.

Council will bring you any updates on this situation as soon as they come to hand and I thank you all again for your patience and cooperation.

Please stay safe.