Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) have joined forces for a fabulous Super Saturday vaccination drive at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre this Saturday. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations will be available between 5-10pm with the LGBTIQ+ community and its allies, eligible to get vaccinated in an effort to ensure the community will be protected come the 2022 Festival.
The iconic Qantas Mardi Gras aircraft tail, DJs and rainbow lights will welcome vaccine recipients to Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney drag royalty Hannah Conda will be entertaining in the observation area and people will have the chance to win glitter Qantas Business Class pyjamas as they sashay away after their vaccination.
Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) chief executive Graeme Loy said the unique Super Saturday was a fun opportunity for the LGBTIQ+ community to come forward and get vaccinated.
“The entire community needs to protect themselves from COVID-19 and we’re holding this vaccination drive to make sure as many people as possible from the LGBTIQ+ community can feel welcomed, safe and supported when they get their vaccination,” Mr Loy said.
The fabulous occasion will also celebrate the announcement of the theme for the 2022 Mardi Gras Festival, UNITED WE SHINE, and the return of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ world-famous Parade to the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 5 March, 2022.
“Getting vaccinated is the only way we can guarantee the return of a vibrant and full Mardi Gras Festival, one that includes, music, performances, parties, talks, theatre, drag shows and all the events we know and love,” CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Albert Kruger said.
“The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner our spiritual home, Oxford Street, will thrive again and we can’t wait to get into the bars, clubs and dancefloor to celebrate again.”
Nicolas Parkhill, CEO of ACON, NSW’s leading health organisation for people of diverse sexualities and genders, urged those in the community yet to receive a vaccination to seize this opportunity.
“Getting vaccinated protects you and helps protect friends, family, the people you love and our whole community. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time,” Mr Parkhill said.
To ensure the safety of the wider community, only people receiving a COVID-19 vaccination on 16 October will be permitted entry to the Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre. All people are required to wear masks at all times.
Bookings are encouraged and can be made here and walk-ins will also be available.
You must not attend your vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Please get tested and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result. You should also not attend if you are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Western Sydney Local Health District would like to thank our partners in this huge exercise including Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, ACON, Qantas, Qudos Bank Arena, NSW Police, NSW Transport, Baxter Healthcare, Western Sydney University, NSW Pathology and everyone coming forward for vaccination themselves.
Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre’s fabulous Super Saturday
When: Saturday 16 October, 5pm-10pm
Where: Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre
What: First or second COVID-19 vaccinations available – it must be a minimum of 3 weeks since your first Pfizer dose
Who: anyone aged 12+ from Greater Sydney
What to bring: Photo ID. No Medicare card required (but if you have one, bring it!)
Free parking at P1, Sydney Olympic Park