Over three days in October, St Nicholas Parish Marrickville hosted a pop-up clinic to help connect members of the parish community to COVID-19 vaccines.

Leaders of the parish community had advocated for months for a clinic to be established at the parish and I was very proud to support their campaign.

All across the inner west, local community groups and churches have been stepping up to support local residents. Despite the vaccination rate continuing to climb, many in our community continue to face barriers and experience challenges in accessing vaccines, particularly older members of the community and members of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Churches have played an important role in increasing vaccination rates in vulnerable groups. Trusted religious leaders have helped dispel misinformation about COVID‑19 vaccinations and encouraged parishioners to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones.

I sincerely thank His Grace Bishop elect Christodoulos Economou, Father Michael Tsolakis, and the Church Committee including Elia Dimakis for your leadership, care and persistence.