Latest letters are a sign of the times

THE latest arrangement of Villawood Properties’ giant letters spells out an important health message.

The “GET VACCINATED” sign in three-metre high corten steel was officially revealed last week on the Surf Coast Highway side of the Armstrong Mount Duneed estate, and was installed by the developer with support from the Barwon Health Foundation.

The coronavirus vaccine rollout began last month, and the two-word message in Mount Duneed is aimed at ensuring the community not only remains aware of the need to guard against COVID-19 but also does not become apathetic about continuing to practise COVIDSafe measures and get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available for the broader community.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said the message was important.

“The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating across the globe and the impacts have certainly been felt here in Greater Geelong,” she said.

‘It’s great to see Phase A of the immunisation program has started here in our region for our frontline healthcare workers, public aged care residents and workers, and port of entry workers.

“The Villawood message is an important reminder of the role we all play in keeping our community safe and my colleagues and I certainly look forward to being vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available for the broader community.”

Villawood has used its letters – which were previously located in its Wandana estate overlooking the Geelong Ring Road – to highlight several important social causes including driver safety, marriage equality and respect to indigenous awareness, refugee issues, mental health and domestic violence.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe hoped this giant message would hit home.

“We all know how devastating COVID is and just how important it is to safeguard ourselves and the community by getting vaccinated,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve put these letters up along the Surf Coast Highway. People can’t afford to be blasé about this virus.

“It’s particularly important for our frontline healthcare workers, who have been extraordinary in fighting the pandemic. They’ve shown just how important they are to the community.”