The New South Wales Central West has recorded the fastest uptake of first doses of COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia.
In the past week, the district has overtaken Sydney to outstrip every other area in the country for residents receiving their initial dose.
"We are leading the way," Western Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan said.
"I'm really proud of our communities.
As of September 14, Gilgandra had the region's highest vaccination rates followed closely by the Lachlan Shire.
Vaccination rates within Aboriginal communities across western NSW remained well below those of non-Indigenous people.
The number of first doses has increased from 17 to 56 per cent, while second jabs have risen from 7 per cent to 22 per cent.
"While we've still got a long way to go to reach that 80 per cent goal, the number of people with first doses on board puts us in a really good position," Mr McLachlan said.
Daily case numbers drop
Western NSW recorded another six cases in the last reporting period.
Around 2,500 tests were carried out with three new infections in Bathurst, two in Dubbo, and one in the Coonabarabran-based Warrumbungle Shire.
"Some more positive news today, that's the first time since August 11 that we've had single digits in our reporting," Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said.
The Western LHD said two more cases were detected overnight in aged care facilities in Dubbo.
There are now 997 cases that have been reported in western NSW since this outbreak began.
People are continuing to recover from COVID-19 too, with around 550 people being discharged from the LHD's community-based care program.
Lockdown may be lifted
The improving situation means that the Forbes, Parkes and Nyngan-based Bogan Shires may be released from lockdown on Thursday.
A meeting is being held to discuss whether the restrictions can be lifted in these communities.
The Western LHD said while it was too early to know whether the high rates of first doses were driving down daily cases, they were having some impact.
"I think what we're seeing fewer people getting really crook from COVID-19 because of vaccines," Mr McLachlan said.
"There's no doubt we're seeing some of the impact of earlier vaccination particularly among the elderly and frail members of the community."
More sewage detections
There is some concern for the Trangie and Lightning Ridge communities, where fragments of the virus have been detected in the towns' sewage.
A traveller from outside of the region visited Mudgee and more venues of concern will be listed.
