Ms Evergreen travelled to Canberra on Wednesday to protest against COVID-19 mandates as part of the Convoy To Canberra. She said she’s lost the support of her family over her decision to not get vaccinated against COVID-19,and views the protest as her way of standing up to “segregation” in Australia. While there’s an array of people with a range of beliefs,Ms Evergreen said they’re all united in wanting to end compulsory vaccination.
“I never thought we’d see segregation like this in this country ... I put out a call to my friends on Facebook and those who couldn’t join me on the journey helped me out financially,I haven’t been able to work since December because of this,” Ms Evergreen said.
“I have a mortgage,I have to pay rates. I love working,I want to work – I’ve thought about getting it believe me,it just doesn’t feel right,” Ms Evergreen said.
Paul Kelly moved from Sydney to Elands in northern NSW after feeling “ostracised” in Sydney for choosing not to be vaccinated. He was unable to continue working at The Wayside Chapel,where he helped people dealing with substance abuse issues and those without a home.
“I like to think I’m a humanitarian. I just want to continue being able to help people while choosing what I do with my body,” Mr Kelly said.
The vaccines used in Australia have gone through three clinical trials and have been approved by overseas bodies. They have conditional approval by Australia’s regulatory body,the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Vaccination mandates have also been in use in a number of Australian industries for some years.