BASS Coast Shire Council has classified its entire workforce of 400 staff as ‘essential’ and mandated COVID-19 vaccinations for every employee.
The move is believed to be a first for a local council in Victoria.
Staff can take time out of their work day to get their vaccination. Those who don’t get vaccinated without a valid reason by the deadline will be asked to take annual leave and then leave without pay and will not be permitted to work until they are vaccinated.
The move is believed to be a first for a local council in Victoria.
Staff can take time out of their work day to get their vaccination. Those who don’t get vaccinated without a valid reason by the deadline will be asked to take annual leave and then leave without pay and will not be permitted to work until they are vaccinated.
All employees need to be fully vaccinated by 26 November.
“We are looking towards summer, the tourist market and seeing our region full of concerts, food and events. Getting the jab is the one thing we can do to get our local economy back on track and our great state re-opened once again."
Council CEO Ali Wastie said the majority of staff had already chosen to be vaccinated.
Bass Coast Shire’s first vaccination rate for people aged over 15 is currently at 93.9 per cent, with 64 per cent fully vaccinated.
"Bass Coast is well on its way to a 95 per cent first vaccination rate, leading in Gippsland and making it one of the top vaccination rates across the state," Ms Wastie said.
Council recently launched its successful #Vax4Bass campaign, where residents were rewarded with discounts and goods from local businesses when they showed proof of vaccination, which is credited with boosting vaccination rates across the region.
“We are looking towards summer, the tourist market and seeing our region full of concerts, food and events. Getting the jab is the one thing we can do to get our local economy back on track and our great state re-opened once again."
Council CEO Ali Wastie said the majority of staff had already chosen to be vaccinated.
Bass Coast Shire’s first vaccination rate for people aged over 15 is currently at 93.9 per cent, with 64 per cent fully vaccinated.
"Bass Coast is well on its way to a 95 per cent first vaccination rate, leading in Gippsland and making it one of the top vaccination rates across the state," Ms Wastie said.
Council recently launched its successful #Vax4Bass campaign, where residents were rewarded with discounts and goods from local businesses when they showed proof of vaccination, which is credited with boosting vaccination rates across the region.