A message from the Administrator

Published on 18 August 2021

COVID IN WILCANNIA

From Central Darling Shire Council Administrator Bob Stewart

The news today that COVID has reached Wilcannia is troubling for the whole community.

 We need to stand together as a community and support each other through a difficult few days – possibly weeks.

 This is not the time for blame. This is not the time for anger. This is the time for support.

 The Wilcannia community and the Shire as a whole needs to stand up and show the strength in adversity our small communities are known for.

As this new variant of the virus spread throughout Sydney, Council prepared for the possibility it would come to our small communities.

 The General Manager and I have taken regular updates on the spread of the virus and have been meeting and working with local and regional support services, including health providers and emergency management teams.

 We had hoped our planning wasn’t needed. It now is.

 Now is the time for everyone to stay at home, not mix with family and friends, not hang out on the streets but stay indoors as much as possible.

 Far West Local Health, Maari Ma, the RFDS and other service providers are in Wilcannia to help. You can get tested, you can get vaccinated, you can find support.

 If you’re not coping well with all the news, ask for help. There’s no shame in being worried or scared. There’s no shame in asking for help.

 We all need to follow the government message – stay at home, wear a mask if you have to go out, wash your hands well, and stay two big steps away from people you don’t live with.

I know this isn’t a normal way of life for us, but it’s the only way we can fight this virus.