As business groups and local MPs urge the State and Federal governments to provide incentives for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, some Illawarra employers are already on the front foot.
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In a bid to help save lives and stimulate the local economy, Smile Team Orthodontics is already handing out cash to staff who get vaccinated.
The 50-year-old practice with clinics in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands employs 45 staff and made the decision to offer incentives four weeks ago.
Chief executive Michelle Aquilina said when Smile Team offered staff $100 for each of the two jabs, the response was instant.
"Being an essential provider in the private sector it was really important for us to ensure our employees were really wanting to get vaccinated as soon as possible," she said.
"We wanted to ensure the staff, their families and the community coming into our business were feeling safe and assured."
Mrs Aquilina said the take-up rate was almost 100 per cent.
"The minute I issued the announcement the majority of staff booked their appointment the following day.
"We now have 70 per cent of our employees fully vaccinated and 29 per cent have had their first dose," she said.
"We are absolutely over the moon by the response."
Mrs Aquilina said it was only pregnant staff members who hadn't had their first vaccine yet, and they were seeking medical advice from their GP.
Shellharbour centre manager Amy Gilbert said it it was a good feeling to have had both shots.
"I thought I would get around to it when I could but when they offered a monetary incentive it was a bit of a push for me to actually go and get it done," she said.
Ms Gilbert, 32, said the majority of staff were younger than her.
Smile Team Orthodontics has also introduced paid pandemic leave to ensure staff feel supported and did not attend work if they had any COVID-like symptoms.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
