IT would be fair to say that, especially during the last lockdown, no place in Portland was busier than the Civic Hall – and yet not a single function of other celebration event has been held there since early in the year.

But Portland District Health will have something to celebrate as it winds down the coronavirus vaccination clinic at the hall, the last day being tomorrow.

Since starting in early September, more than 3200 people have been vaccinated at the venue, many getting two shots of course – and that is a fair chunk of the people who have helped Glenelg Shire well and truly pass the 90 per cent double vaccination threshold.

The success of the program means PDH doesn’t need to run the clinic there anymore, and anyone who needs to can get a vaccination at their GP or local pharmacy.

The clinic has been run under the guidance of the PDH COVID vaccination program executive sponsor.

Until recently this was Claire Holt, who has gone on long service leave and been replaced in the role by Margaret Cadenhead.

“We thank the community because they’ve come out and gone out of their way to get vaccinated,” Ms Cadenhead said.

Ms Holt said the peak months of the program were September and October, with 1500 and 1700 people respectively getting vaccinated.

Generally run two days a week, about 10-14 staff were on hand.

But she also paid tribute to those outside who had helped, particularly United Way Glenelg, Bahloo café and Glenelg Shire Council.

“The first two months we were here Bahloo kindly supplied us with lunch and coffee,” she said.

“They were the real big months and it meant that staff could get a break without having to go out and look for lunch somewhere.

“It was absolutely fantastic that they did that for us.”

Ms Cadenhead thanked the council for supplying the hall.

“We can’t thank the shire enough for all the extra equipment they’ve given us,” she said.

“Without the space we couldn’t have done what we’ve done, and we won’t find another space like it.

“Also the quickness of the way they responded and their constant flexibility.”

Ms Cadenhead said it was important to stress that pharmacies and GPs were available for those wanting to get the vaccine.

“People were getting panicked thinking we’re going and there’s nowhere else available in town, but there is,” she said.