Sewage result a reminder to stay safe

September 1, 2021

Today’s announcement by NSW Health that fragments of the Covid virus have been detected in a sample from the Gunnedah Sewage Treatment Plant is a stern reminder we need to do the right thing, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

This is the first time the virus has been detected in a Gunnedah sample.

“This is news that no one will be happy to hear, but it is good to get an early warning for our community,” Cr Chaffey said.

“It is a strong reminder for us to follow the restrictions, get tested if we have symptoms, and to get vaccinated. I can’t emphasise that enough. We have been lucky to date, but we need to take steps to remain that way.

“If you have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, it’s time to stop waiting, come forward and protect both yourselves, your family and your community.

“I know our GP clinics and more recently our pharmacies have been working extraordinarily hard to ensure as many people are vaccinated as possible. They can’t work any harder than they do.

“I hope this will signal to Hunter New England that our community needs more opportunities to get vaccinated. We need Hunter New England Health to provide regular walk-up opportunities for people to get their vaccinations - whatever their age, circumstances or work rosters - to increase our rate of protection. We are still in a vulnerable position in Gunnedah should an outbreak occur.”

Cr Chaffey said Gunnedah’s vaccination rates were rising, with the latest figures (August 27) showing 52.8% of the population in the Gunnedah Shire aged 15 and over had received one dose, while 26.5% were fully vaccinated. The Tamworth figures are 57.4% for the first dose (aged 15 and over) and 30.3% for the second dose.

“This is positive, but the rate of vaccination needs to grow significantly,” Cr Chaffey said.

Hunter New England Health are hosting AstraZeneca vaccination clinics across the Gunnedah Shire on the following dates:

• Curlewis - Saturday 11 September from 9am • Tambar Springs – Saturday 18 September from 10am • Carroll – Saturday 25 September from 9am • Rural Health Centre, Gunnedah – Saturday 16 October from 10am • Curlewis – Saturday 23 October from 9am • Tambar Springs – Saturday 30 October from 10am • Carroll – Saturday 6 November from 9am

Bookings for all clinics are essential. To book, contact Gunnedah Hospital on 6741 8000 on weekdays between 8am and 4pm. GP clinics and pharmacies are also continuing vaccinations and you can contact your doctor or pharmacy for details.

It is also essential that anyone with Covid symptoms is tested as soon as possible. You can visit for online bookings.

Testing centres are:

• Ochre Health - Gunnedah Respiratory Clinic at Gunnedah Showground. Open Mondays and Wednesdays from 12.30-4.30pm. Bookings can be made via the Ochre website or call (02) 6760 9765. If this clinic is unavailable, you can book at another Ochre Health Boggabri clinic. • Gunnedah Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic at Rosemary Street, Donnelly Fields. Open Monday-Friday 8am to 2.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 9am to 2pm. No appointments necessary. • Gunnedah Hospital in Marquis Street, Gunnedah. Open Monday to Friday 2.30-3.30pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6741 8000. • Ochre Health - Boggabri Respiratory Clinic, Kamillaroi Highway, Boggabri Golf Club. Open Fridays 9am-1pm. Bookings required, call (02) 6760 9765. • Boggabri Multi-Purpose Service, 3 Wee Waa Street, Boggabri. Open Monday to Friday 11am-12pm. Bookings required. Contact (02) 6749 7000.

For more information about COVID-19, visit or call:

• NSW Health – www.health.nsw.gov.au • Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080 • Service NSW COVID-19 Hotline - 13 77 88 • Head to Health - www.headtohealth.gov.au

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.