How do you increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in outback communities where hesitancy is high and misinformation rife?
You start with free food, the Brisbane Broncos, and big ticket prizes like free return flights.
That's what health leaders are offering in Queensland's north-west where low jab rates among the region's Aboriginal population have authorities pulling out all the stops.
As the border reopening date inches closer, events with large incentives are proving the most effective in getting the attention of those hesitant about the needle.
Healthcare provider Gidgee Healing's Deadly Night Out event in the rural city of Mount Isa over the weekend saw attendees treated to a free barbecue, sessions with the Brisbane Broncos, and the chance to win free flights.
The event saw at least 200 people turn up and get vaccinated that night.
"We're really excited about Virgin Australia coming on board and providing an incentive as huge as this," Ms Blackman said.
"We know we're over 60 per cent, but we need to get more than that before December 15.
Uncertainty a major issue
One of the main reasons people do not get vaccinated is due to misinformation causing uncertainty, rural health authorities said.
"Social media plays a major role in causing concern among people about the vaccine, especially in rural Indigenous communities," said Gidgee Healing staffer Brodie Germaine.
Mount Isa woman Lisa Hayes, who brought her family members to the event, said some of them were wary of the vaccine, however recent outbreaks in the Northern Territory had motivated them to get the jab.
"At the end of the day, these incentive-driven events are proving extremely effective in allowing us to share information and get those people that are on the fence about the vaccine, over the line," Ms Blackman said.
