New South Wales's first drive-through vaccination clinic has opened in Dubbo with the capacity to deliver 200 jabs a day.
A huge vaccination push is underway in western NSW, as the number of active cases in the region nears 500.
Forty-two new cases have been recorded in the region. Of those, 11 were infectious in the community.
Thirty-four of the new cases were in Dubbo, six in Bourke, and one in both Mudgee and Bathurst.
There are now 58 cases in Wilcannia, after four more people contracted the virus.
Western Health Local Health District CEO Scott McLachlan said the Dubbo drive-through clinic was a key tool in the region's fight against the COVID-19.
“It will be more accessible for people with mobility issues, allow all eligible people in households to receive their vaccinations at the same time and will be much easier for parents and carers," he said.
Pop-up ADF clinic returns
Meanwhile, an Australian Defence Force pop-up vaccination clinic has been set up at Pioneer Park in Dubbo for the second weekend in a row.
Issy Ranginui was among hundreds lining up to get her shot.
"I believe [in being] … surrounded by adults that are vaccinated especially when it comes to my children and my grandchildren," she said.
Therese Bizabishaka brought forward her appointment because of the outbreak in Dubbo.
"It's the right thing to do, [to] try to reduce the rates of sickness and death."
For Mini Aauca, the last few months have been a difficult time.
"My message to the other people is to get vaccinated because it will help some other people to overcome this pandemic during this hard time."
Testing levels remain low
Four-thousand-eight-hundred tests were recorded in western NSW, a slight improvement on Friday but still too low for health officials.
Authorities are concerned about COVID-19 detections in sewage in Brewarrina, Gulargambone, Mudgee and Bathurst, and have urged locals to get tested.
Police handed out just 13 penalty infringement notices overnight, a significant drop from previous days.
