Residents of the Wimmera Mallee are turning out to get their COVID-19 vaccinations with the Hindmarsh LGA above the state average for both first and second doses.

The data available at the time of publication suggests that 91.6% of the eligible population have had one dose, while 64.8% have received both doses in Hindmarsh.

This trend is consistent across the northwest of the state, with the Mallee electorate area also above the state average on both doses.

Across Mallee, the first dose uptake is sitting at 93.3%, while the second dose rate is sitting at 62.7%.

With Victoria reaching 60% of eligible residents having received their second dose yesterday, sights are firmly set on the 70% threshold which will see restrictions ease further.

Yarriambiack and Buloke LGAs have both already surpassed 70% second doses, two of fourteen across the state to do so.

The Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, said that these numbers are encouraging.

People across the community can take comfort in knowing that we are indeed heading in the right direction,” Dr Webster said.

While the date estimated in the state government’s roadmap for the statewide 70% target is Tuesday 26th October, it is becoming clear that the state will reach this target as many as five days earlier.

Premier Daniel Andrews said at this morning’s press conference that, by the end of the week, there will “be greater clarity about what next week looks like.”

Upon reaching the 70% double-dose target metropolitan Melbourne’s lockdown will end, along with the current 9pm to 5am curfew. In regional Victoria, community sport will be able to resume indoors with the minimum number of people required and pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues will be able to open for up to 30 double-vaccinated patrons.

Funerals and weddings will be allowed for 30 double-vaccinated people indoors and 100 double-vaccinated outdoors in regional Victoria.

Once the 80% double-dose target is met, the restriction divide between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will cease with all of the state coming under the same rules, along with a further easing of some restrictions.

Although the Hindmarsh LGA has not recorded a case during the pandemic to-date, there have been a number of ‘close calls’ and it has been shown many times how quickly and easily a town, city, or region can go from zero to a cluster – such as Mildura, Shepparton, and Ballarat.