Reverend Leslie Baird is a man who has devoted much of his professional life to the improvement of mob health; be that physical, emotional, social or spiritual. 

As a priest at Yarrabah’s St Alban’s Anglican Church and as a founder and now board Chair of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, he believes health is vitally important to the Yarrabah community. 

Even though he is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Reverend Baird said it was a long road to making that decision.  

“At first there was a group of elders, from the ministry at St Alban’s and we would have a discussion,” Rev Baird said. 

“At first our discussion was, I’m not gonna get vaccinated, because of what’s been said on social media.  

“All kinds of things have been said about it. 

“One of the things that was said about being vaccinated is that it’s the mark of the beast for the end times!  

“But we had a discussion. Then round about June/July, we came to an agreement that we would all get vaccinated.” 

Rev Baird said all the leadership at the church had ben vaccinated now with no problems to be seen.  

“We’ve been vaccinated, nothing has happened to us and we are well,” he said. 

“The group of us are a group of elderly people.  

“I’m 65, the others are reaching toward 70. 

“It was really, really good and our fears subsided.  

“And now we talk in the church about getting vaccinated.” 

Rev Baird said getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is good for the individual and the community. 

But he doesn’t want you to take his word (or Facebook’s) for granted and is urging those who are unsure about the vax to speak to their GP. 

“The important thing about getting vaccinated is that it’s for the safety of the whole community.  

“It’d be wise to get vaccinated and not to listen to stories on social media.  

If you would sit with your local doctor at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community Controlled Health Organisation, they’ll be able to give you good advice.  

“They know your health records, and they would be able to give you the right advice about getting vaccinated.” 

If you would like more information, or to book an appointment, contact Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation.