As COVID vaccinations have become more and more widespread across Victoria, the Stawell Gold Mine has implemented a vaccination voucher program for their staff.
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$50 vouchers have been created by the Stawell Gold Mine, with their workforce able to spend the voucher across any of the 33 registered Stawell businesses.
Stawell Gold Mine's Health, Safety, Environment and Community manager David Coe said it was important that every single one of their staff members was fully vaccinated for COVID.
"We have a workforce of 250 people, so we have got one for every person to have once they are fully vaccinated," he said.
"We are using them to promote the conversation about vaccination and to also add some value to the town and simulate business within the town.
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"With the 33 businesses people can go and buy something at Sportspower or they can go have a nice steak down at the Diamond House."
Mr Coe said staff at the Gold Mine have been receptive to the need to get vaccinated, especially after the Victorian Government's vaccine mandate for essential workers.
"I think everyone at Stawell Gold Mines is quite supportive of it," he said.
"Like the general population, there have been some people who are concerned about vaccinations, but generally people see it as a benefit.
"Not only the workplace, but also for the community as well because it enables our state and country to open back up.
"Our vaccination deadline isn't until November 26 for the second dose, so we won't see any impact on our business through that time.
"There has been great support here from Stawell Regional Health and Patrick Street Family Practice who have been great at getting our workforce through and getting them vaccinated."
Overall with the 250 $50 vouchers, they will contribute around $11,000 back into the community to support businesses.
In late 2020, the Gold Mine completed a similar voucher program, valued at around $33,000 for business across Stawell in the lead up to Christmas.
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"We did a similar one over Christmas where we created vouchers and now we have done this program to promote vaccinations within our community," Mr Coe said.
"The vouchers have arrived and have been distributed for staff who are fully vaccinated.
"Those staff who have had their first dose and get their second dose, they will get their voucher as they become fully vaccinated."
Businesses who wish to be part of the program can do so by getting in contact with the Stawell Gold Mine.
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