This morning, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby handed the keys for the Bannockburn Shire Hall to new leasee, Bannockburn Surgery, represented by Director John Henderson and Manager Renee Trotter.
The building will be home to a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination service, established and operated by Bannockburn Surgery, which has been appointed by the Australian Government as a registered COVID-19 Vaccination Facility.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Bannockburn Surgery’s new clinic is a welcome tenant at the Bannockburn Shire Hall.
“Council is very pleased to support this valuable initiative by a local health care provider. COVID-19 vaccinations are a critical health service and having this dedicated clinic in Golden Plains Shire will make it easier and more convenient for local residents to get vaccinated.
“The past year has been a challenge for many Shire residents and the COVID-19 vaccination roll out brings great hope. We thank Bannockburn Surgery for their commitment to establishing a local vaccination clinic and we’re excited that the Bannockburn Shire Hall will play a key role in this pandemic milestone.
“Following the relocation of Council Meetings to the Golden Plains Civic Centre, Council offered the Bannockburn Shire Hall for lease through an Expression of Interest process, to ensure the key CBD location was activated. Bannockburn Surgery’s new vaccination clinic will invigorate the quiet Shire Hall and bring more people to the shopping centre of Bannockburn, supporting local cafes and retail outlets.”
Manager Renee Trotter says Bannockburn Surgery is privileged to be working with the Shire and to have the support of our local community.
“By working with the Golden Plains Shire and utilising the Shire Hall building, we have been able to involve an iconic community building, community leaders and medical and healthcare professionals to undertake this mass vaccination program.
“The preparation for this service has been a massive undertaking for our Surgery. With the development of all new policies and procedures, as well as the recruitment of medical, nursing and administrative staff to facilitate the running of these vaccine clinics, without disruption to our current surgery demands,” Ms Trotter said.
Anticipating the first vaccine doses by Easter, the Bannockburn Surgery will open the clinic when doses are available and increase appointments as the Australian production of vaccine delivers strong supplies. The availability of vaccination to different groups based on age and health will be in line with the Australian Government’s guidelines.
Vaccination appointments at Bannockburn Shire Hall cannot be booked over the phone, due to consent requirements. To make a vaccination appointment with Bannockburn Surgery, please visit the online portal at bannockburnsurgery.com.au and complete the booking form. People who need assistance booking an appointment or have any questions relating to the COVID-19 vaccination, are asked to contact Bannockburn Surgery at 5281 1481 to book a consultation with a GP.
It is anticipated the vaccination clinic will be open at Bannockburn Shire Hall until late 2021.