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Stop Coronavirus in your mob

Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation and the Town of Port Hedland are spearheading the 'Stop Coronavirus in your Mob' campaign, which is seeking to stop the spread of COVID-19 in remote Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal communities. 

Martu, Kariyarra and Ngarluma Elders have a message for Aboriginal people: COVID-19 is a serious infection which can kill you. It is a disease which can be spread among any community, anywhere: it doesn't matter which mob you are from.  If someone spits, coughs or sneezes on you or next to you, or on anything like a door handle, table, chair, cup, plate, and you touch it, you can get it. 

We'd like to thank Maureen 'MK' Kelly (Ngarluma Elder), Raylene Button (Kariyarra Elder), Beryl Ponce (Kariyarra / Martu Elder), Sally Mack (Kariyarra Elder), Alfred Barker (Kariyarra Elder), Daisy Tinker (Martu Elder) and Neil Bidu (Martu Elder) for their involvement and speaking their message to camera.

Click here to watch the video 

Click here to access the printable poster

How can you stop the spread of COVID-19?
  • Stop home, one place
  • Don't travel anywhere, not even for funerals
  • Wash your hands all the time with soap
  • Keep your house clean
  • Don't share drinks, food, cool drinks, smokes, guri or bongs
  • Don't go picking up cigarette butts
  • Clean your dishes after eating
  • Use tissues to cover your mouth and throw it in the bin straight away 
Who can get COVID-19?
  • Everyone
  • Old people
  • Little ones
  • Dialysis
  • Diabetic
  • Cancer
  • If too many people stopping in one house
Changes to movement in and out of remote Aboriginal communities

The State and Federal Government have implemented strict restrictions on travel into remote WA Aboriginal communities to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

A number of roads across the Port Hedland LGA have closed, with the Town of Port Hedland working in tandem with the State Government to prioritise public health and protect community residents.

Access to the following communities is now blocked off and restricted:

  • Yandeyarra
  • Marta Marta
  • Strelley
  • Woodstock
  • Punku Njamal
  • Jinparinya

Roads into these areas are being monitored by WA Police. Breaches of these road blocks may attract a fine of up to $50,000.

Exceptions for entering these communities include if you are a returning resident, providing essential services or supplies or entering for family or cultural reasons.

For more information, please click here: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/restrictions-access-the-kimberley-and-remote-aboriginal-communities