Covid-19 Vaccination Statement & Policy

Will unvaccinated people be able to attend Mackay Beach Horse Races 2024?

No. It is a condition of entry that all patrons aged 12+ are Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19.

This is a key component of the Mackay Beach Horse Races 2024 COVIDSafe Event Management Plan, developed in wide consultation with government, public health professionals, industry experts, insurers, stakeholders, and sponsors, and without which, the Event cannot proceed. 

While we respect that vaccination is an individual choice and appreciate this policy may disappoint some, our number one objective is to provide a safe environment, not only for patrons and the host community, but for our entrants, artists, crew, staff, vendors, volunteers, and everyone else involved in the delivery of this Event, many of whom also have contact with vulnerable family or community members. An event of this scale brings together people from all over Australia (and beyond), many of whom will arrive by way of multiple other destinations; therefore, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to minimise risk. We act in good faith and in accordance with expert advice, undertaking not only to protect our own event and participants, but also for our colleagues in industry, to help preserve public confidence in large-scale destination events more broadly, noting the enormous disruption to live music, the arts, sport and tourism since the pandemic began.

We thank you for your understanding and support and ask that you kindly review the policy below:

• Patrons must be able to provide proof of vaccination or a medical exemption** on entry, or, regrettably, they will be refused admission to the Event. 
• Fully Vaccinated currently refers to having received doses 1 and 2 of an approved COVID-19 vaccine; however, if the Queensland Health definition of Fully Vaccinated is broadened to include one or more booster doses, Mackay Beach Horse Races’ definition of Fully Vaccinated will also broaden to become consistent with same.
• Proof of vaccination may take place via the display of a valid digital certificate on your smartphone, or provision of a printed immunisation statement and proof of identification.
• Patrons with a medical exemption** will need to show their certificate of exemption, as well as provide evidence of a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours. 

**If you cannot receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons, this will be recorded on your immunisation history statement and COVID-19 digital certificate. Your doctor will need to update your record on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to say you have a medical contraindication. You can then use your statement or certificate as proof of your vaccination status. Please be advised, we are unable to accept any alternate evidence of medical exemption in lieu. More information: Services Australia.

IMPORTANT:

COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious illness or death and your risk of exposure to it exists in any space where people gather. We highly recommend you assess your personal risk profile (ideally in consultation with your General Practitioner) and plan to undertake safety measures while travelling (e.g. wearing an n95 mask) and on site (e.g. regularly sanitising your hands) before deciding to attend Mackay Beach Horse Races 2024. By entering the Event, you are deemed to assume any and all risks associated with exposure to COVID-19.

This policy is subject to change in line with Queensland or Australian Government recommendations, or at the Promoter’s sole discretion. For the latest COVID-19 information and advice, please refer to the Queensland Health website.