Rockingham council votes for vaccine mandates to be applied at City facilities

Several City of Rockingham facilities will require proof of vaccination upon entry after the council voted against a resolution from the public to allow unvaccinated people into council venues. Councillors at last Tuesday’s meeting voted against a resolution made at the annual meeting of electors that asked there be “no demand by the City of people to prove their vaccine and or medical procedure uptake or status to enter any of the City’s buildings, facilities or events”. City officers had recommended the council not support the resolution and continue with State Government mandates. The motion to do so was carried almost unanimously, with Cr Mark Jones and Cr Rae Cottam voting against it. Cr Lorna Buchan said she had personal views on the vaccine restrictions but she had to separate those from her views as a councillor. “My personal view is that vaccine mandates are wrong. My personal view is that vaccine-restricted access and discrimination is wrong,” Cr Buchan said. “I’m deeply saddened by the conflict in our community and I am saddened by the segregation and creation of an underclass. It’s not a society I want to live in and it’s not a value that I hold dear.” Cr Jones also agreed with Cr Buchan on her personal views and said he knew many people who had left employment because they didn’t want to get vaccinated. “With things moving, like the fifth of February no longer opening, I don’t know why we are still pushing this vaccine mandate. I think that should definitely be reviewed,” Cr Jones said. An anti-vax protest led by the mover of the resolution, Mary-Ann Rath, was held outside the council building before the meeting. The State Government restrictions came into effect on Monday, which means unvaccinated residents will be unable to enter some City buildings. When visiting City facilities affected by the State’s new rules, people will have to show proof of vaccination in either a digital or paper-based form, along with identification if they are not using the ServiceWA App. Where applicable, valid medical exemptions will need to be provided to gain entry. The Aqua Jetty will require all visitors aged 16 and above to show proof of vaccination on entry and it will apply to the entire facility. Patrons will still be able to access the Rockingham Aquatic Centre as visitors to this outdoor facility are exempt. Community-based sports held at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex are also exempt. The Autumn Centre will require visitors to show proof of vaccination from 7am to 4pm on weekdays, but takeaway meals will be available to those who are unable to attend the centre. Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin thanked the community for their patience and understanding during this period of transition. “These directions will impact some areas of the City’s operations and services and our staff will be working to ensure the changes are implemented as smoothly as possible,” Ms Hamblin said. For the latest COVID-19 updates impacting the City, visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/coronavirus.