Lithgow’s Mayor refuses request by anti-vaccination group to use public lands

Today, Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham has refused a request made by the Australian Vaccination Risk Network to utilise public lands to spread misinformation regarding vaccines.

This month, the Australian Vaccination Risk Network (AVN) reached out to Lithgow City Council, requesting a public site be made available for the purposes of collecting and disseminating misinformation regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

“Our country is still suffering the severe effects of a global pandemic, with nearly 14,000 Australians having died from COVID-19,” said Lithgow City Council’s Mayor, Councillor Maree Statham. “With new variants abound and cases surging once more, it is predicted that global deaths will soon exceed 6.5 million.”

“I feel for all those who have been affected by the virus, either directly or indirectly,” said Mayor Statham. “Loved ones have passed and businesses closed because of this virus. It is important that we make decisions based on facts, including the decision to get vaccinated. The Council has worked closely with staff and NSW Health to provide local vaccination services to those willing and able.”

“However, I find that the narrative being spread by this group is conflicting and confusing,” Mayor Statham noted. “To review statistics or hear more about vaccines, it is important we defer to fact and science. While I appreciate the freedom of the public to conduct their own research, anti-vaccination campaigns place vulnerable communities at risk and challenge the gains made over the twentieth century to eradicate diseases.”

“For this reason, Council will not be approving the application of the AVN to use public lands for this purpose,” said Mayor Statham. “In support of Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr. Mark Greenhill, we also feel that any request by anti-vaccination groups to hold events should be refused.”

Lithgow Council encourages all residents to seek balanced information about the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential effects of any vaccine. If in doubt, please contact your local GP for specific advice, or refer to information provided by NSW Health.