AROUND 25,000 free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) were distributed by Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) to residents from October 2022 through to the end of December 2023 as part of a state-funded initiative.

The Department of Health provided the council with funding so it could provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to the community to ensure everyone, particularly those most vulnerable, could promptly test for COVID-19 when required.

SGSC mayor, David Robertson said that the program has been crucial in protecting the south-west region and has allowed residents to adapt to a post-pandemic world.

“Council has played and continues to play a significant role in caring for our community when it comes to COVID-19,” he said.

“We were pleased to ease the logistical and sometimes financial burden for hundreds of residents who needed a test when tests were in rather high demand.”

Cr Robertson also said that the great contribution made by residents through the many supportive and encouraging communal efforts has not gone unnoticed by the Council.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took advantage of this scheme and thank you to the wider community for pulling together during the pandemic to protect one another,” he said.

“The popularity of this initiative shows that given half a chance, the people in this shire will do what they can for their community.

“I’m very happy we were able to use council’s public sites like the Hamilton Library, Council Customer Service, Performing Arts Centre, Cinema, HILAC and Visitor Information Services to hand out tests and to do our part during a universally challenging time.”