Patrons to provide proof of double vaccination to attend Council facilities

Patrons attending Council community facilities will be required to provide proof of double COVID-19 vaccination upon check in from Monday 25 October 2021, in line with new directions issued by the Victorian Government.

Facilities impacted will include the Greater Hamilton Library, Hamilton Gallery, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Hamilton Cinema, and Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC). People who have only had one dose of the vaccine will have to wait until they are fully vaccinated before they can access these facilities.

Essential services including the Customer Service Centres located at Brown Street and Market Place, all Shire Transfer Stations, Maternal Child Health and Home Support Services remain unchanged and patrons do not need to show vaccination status to access these services.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said while it was unfortunate that we may have to turn away patrons from Council facilities, this is about protecting our community.

“It’s firstly important to understand that this directive has not come from Council but has been issued by the State Government and is about helping reduce spread of the virus within our community,” said Cr Colliton.

“Patrons will be asked when entering these Council facilities to provide physical proof of being fully vaccinated. This evidence can be either a hard copy vaccination certificate, your immunisation history, certificate linked via the Service Victoria App, or letter from your Doctor (in lieu of having a certificate copy). Hard copies as well as those presented on mobile device screens will be accepted.”

“We understand that some community members may find this process a little challenging but essentially this approach has been declared a necessity for our facilities to remain safe and operational for the Southern Grampians community and visitors to enjoy now and into the foreseeable future,” said Cr Colliton.

“We will provide more information on our website on how you can access a copy of your vaccination certificate but if you are having difficulties, please reach out to our staff for help. Council staff are also required to be double vaccinated so we ask that patrons please be respectful to our staff during this time and to be patient while the process is undertaken,” concluded Cr Colliton.

Proof of double vaccination is required for those over the age of 16. Those with a valid medical exemption will be asked to provide evidence which must include a date of issue. Please note that failure to check or provide vaccination status upon entry to these facilities could result in fines for the individual as well as organisation.

Patron limits will also apply at these facilities of 30 double vaccinated patrons (per density quotient) per space. This figure will increase when the State reaches the next double vaccination target of 80 per cent. Change room facilities at HILAC will remain closed for the near future.

/Public Release. View in full here.