A race between two councils to be the first to reach 80% fully vaccinated concluded on Monday, with the Borough of Queenscliffe reaching 80.1% of residents receiving both doses.
The Mayors of the Borough of Queenscliffe and Buloke Shire caught up virtually to thank their communities and make good on the terms of their bet - Mayor Warren of Buloke Shire will be treating Mayor Ebbels of Queenscliff to a meal and a night's accommodation in the coming months.
Both Mayors said that while the challenge they'd made was with each other, the real champions of the competition were the residents of Buloke Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe.
"We couldn't be prouder of the residents who answered our call and stepped forward to get vaccinated over the past few weeks," said Mayor Warren. "Regardless of who gets there first, getting vaccinated helps us win the race that really matters - protecting ourselves and each other from the coronavirus."
Mayor Ross Ebbels said that he was looking forward to visiting his friend Mayor Warren in Buloke Shire as vaccination rates increase. "Getting together for a laugh with our friends is just one of many reasons to get vaccinated," he said. "Thank you to all the residents of both councils who have come together to make our communities safer."
Coronavirus vaccines are safe, free and available to everyone aged 12 and over. You can book your vaccination online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
