Prizes up for grabs in vaccination drive

By Brendan Rees

The council has launched its biggest vaccination incentive yet by offering an additional $50,000 in prizes to help the city get out of lockdowns.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the rewards – which brought the prize pool to $100,000 – was part of its Vaccine Heroes campaign aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and allowing the city to reopen.

The latest initiative comes amid the federal government setting a goal for an 80 per cent vaccination rate by the end of November to trigger an easing of restrictions and end to lockdowns.

To be in the running for the City of Melbourne’s prizes, locals are encouraged to share their vaccine “hero stories” on Instagram for the chance to win a $1000 spending spree at the Queen Victoria Market, Emporium or Melbourne Central.

“We’re doing everything we can to encourage Victorians to get the jab if they’re eligible,” Cr Capp said.

To enter, people are encouraged to post a selfie on Instagram showing themselves about to get vaccinated, having just been vaccinated or flashing their vaccine card.

They then must tag the City of Melbourne (@CityofMelbourne) and, share in 25 words or less, what they’re most looking forward to when our city reopens.

A $1000 shopping voucher will be given away every day for six weeks, from August 30 until October 10.

This latest incentive follows a radio promotion which saw $5000 in Melbourne experience packages given away every day for two weeks.

The Vaccine Heroes campaign includes local advertising in English, Arabic, Mandarin, Somali and Vietnamese •