I acknowledge and accept there are many opinions regarding the virus and our governments' response to it. Opinions aside, we cannot dispute the sobering facts; COVID-19 is transmissible, its impact on the health of those who contract it can result in symptoms which can last their lifetime, and in some cases it results in death - increasingly likely for those who are aged, infirm or whom suffer some comorbidities.

The scale of COVID-19's health impact is in direct correlation with the capability of the health system, which we've observed in other countries. Our health system is among the best in the world, but the reality is that its capability is finite and it could not cope if inundated with broad spread community infection.

Many in our midst are critical of government for imposing enforceable health orders which temporarily restrict our activities. They're free to express their opposition, but it must be remembered that it was the failure of a few ignorant individuals to adhere to health orders which eventually led to COVID-19 once again arriving on the doorstep of the Central West.

To avoid its potential spread in the communities of each the Orange, Cabonne and Blayney Local Government areas, the NSW Government, on receipt of health advice, imposed the most minor degree of lockdown for seven days, which commenced last Wednesday.

Fingers crossed, if we get to the end of Tuesday, July 27 without any more cases being detected, the stay-at-home direction will likely be lifted and life will resume, and we can get back to doing what we did before COVID came to town.

I share some of the community's frustrations. I've been critical of the Australian Government's sluggish rollout of the vaccination program, which is, to a large extent, a factor in the seriousness of health risks to the broader community and the imposition of restrictive health orders. The PM has now accepted responsibility, and now I've called on the Government to step-up by opening a vaccination hub in our area and requesting additional supplies of the vaccines.

I respect the decision of those who choose not to receive the vaccine, but the reality is the vaccination of the majority of the population is the necessary key to eventually emerge from restrictive health orders which have had significant economic, social and mental health impacts.

If the Government wishes to avoid opposition and criticisms from the community, there needs to be more transparency and openness around the decisions that are being made and the evidence used in their decision making which impacts our lives and livelihoods.

I want to acknowledge the resilience of the communities here in the Central West. In spite of everything we've endured in recent years, be it drought, bushfires, floods, mice plague, COVID-19 and now lock-downs, we've always found a way to forge on, just as we've always done, by rolling-up our sleeves, sticking solid and getting through these trying times together.

On the whole, the community has done its bit in response to the latest situation; following health advice, staying home except where departures are necessary, wearing facemasks, QR checking-in wherever we go, socially distancing, sanitising and getting COVID tested.

If you visited any of the COVID-19 venues of concern, as detailed in the Government's gazetted messages, or are feeling unwell, I would urge you to get COVID tested.

These next few days will be critical, so let's do our part in adhering to the health advice. Also, it's important we keep an eye out and support each other during this difficult time.

Lastly, a huge shout out to all the people in healthcare, who are under the pump and on the frontline supporting the COVID testing and vaccination - thank you!