Roy Kellaway is a podiatrist and diabetes educator who is currently based in South-East Queensland but periodically travels to Cunnamulla to work with clients of the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health. He is also one of the members of the deadly Yolgnu surf rock band, King Stingray.  

As a medical professional and professional entertainer, he knew the importance of keeping  community and clients safe from the effects of COVID-19.  

Roy sought out information from people and sources he trusts – medical experts who have devoted their lives to helping people heal.  

Soon it became clear that getting a COVID jab was a no-brainer.  

“It doesn’t take long to really understand, when you talk to the people you trust, which are the professionals and the doctors, and not believing random stuff on Facebook,” Mr Kellaway said. 

“It’s really obvious that this is the thing to do to protect ourselves and protect the people around us.  

“The value of that is just so high for me and I was like, ‘this is something that has to be done.’” 

Mr Kellaway said COVID-19 and the vaccination has become a main topic of conversation for him and his clients.  

“The topic of COVID is popping up all the time,” he said. 

“And when we’re having a yarn with the clients that I see, COVID seems to be pretty hot goss.  

“So, I’m always having those conversations.  

“And I do try and find ways to teach or share little things I’ve found out about the vaccine and advocate for it.  

“Because there’s so much information in the world and my fear is that people are trusting garbage and not the true information.” 

Indeed, Mr Kellaway said it was clear people find it particularly difficult for people to navigate through conflicting sources, fact, fiction, and opinion. 

“I’m just having conversations and I’m just curious to know why do people not want to get the vaccine.  

“It’s just nice to just try and hear what they have to say, and then I’m just going from there, ‘have a chat with your doctor’ have a chat with these people who are the experts. 

“I mean it’s so important and I just don’t want people to be left in the dark.  

“And when COVID is around us more often, which it will be, which is what people are saying.  

“We want to be protected so, it’s sort of like getting an army together.  

“Getting your body ready to battle it when it comes around.” 

If you would like more information, or to book an appointment, contact Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health.