Aboriginal Elder Frank Doolan, known as 'Riverbank', said he got the COVID jab for his "dear mother" and to preserve life - his own and the people he loves.
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Riverbank received his second vaccine dose on Tuesday at the vaccination clinic at Dubbo Showground.
"I feel great about being vaccinated, it's a real sense of relief," he told the Daily Liberal. "In spite of all the debate around whether to vaccinate or not, I feel as if I've done something for community.
"My main motivation for wanting to do this was my dear mother, but you know with the passing of another Elder in Enngonia just recently, it brings it home to us."
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The death of the Aboriginal woman aged in her 70s was announced on Tuesday. It was followed by a further announcement on Wednesday of another death from the Western Local Health District - a man in his 60s from Dubbo.
There have now been three COVID-related deaths in the region, all were Aboriginal.
Nursing Unit Manager at the Dubbo Vaccination Clinic Cathy-Lee Raidaveta said there have been challenges in particular getting pregnant Aboriginal women through the doors for vaccinations.
"That's a big issue for us and that's a big concern in the community," she said. "Pregnant women can have premature babies if they get COVID and it makes them quite sick.
"Our job as parents is to protect our babies, so if we can give them a better start then by all means come in and get vaccinated."
The Dubbo vaccination hub has capacity for about 400 doses a day.
The drive-through clinic, also at Dubbo Showground, means a family of four can book through one email address, add all the family member names, and get the jab from one vehicle.
"Yes, there's fears about vaccinations, but they're there to protect us and protect the people that we love," Mrs Raidaveta said. "I think that's our role in society - to look after the people around us and by getting vaccinated that gives us the best chance to do that."
For Riverbank, it's a no-brainer.
"I don't know about all the arguments around it, I just know that I love life and I love people and I'm prepared do my bit to help preserve that life."
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