Help for those struggling with digital vaccination certificates

Difficulty in obtaining a proof of COVID-19 vaccination certificate isn’t just the domain of seniors, or those who struggle with computers. Plenty of people have had trouble setting up their ServiceWA app, and have been taking advantage of help offered around the city.

The Service WA app allows people to use QR code check-in, access G2G passes, and show their proof of vaccination. But even Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has admitted it’s “fiddly”.

In response, the Geraldton Regional Library and the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre have been hosting regular sessions to assist with accessing proof of vaccination certificates, and using the Service WA app.

In January alone, 162 people attended support sessions at the Geraldton Regional Library — before proof was made mandatory to enter some businesses.

“Initially, setting up the ServiceWA app was complicated; however, the longer it has been available for download, the easier it is becoming for users to set up,” City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said.

“People from other parts of the region have been getting involved in the ServiceWA support sessions as well, which is great to see.”

The QEII Centre has hosted 106 visitors to its support sessions — including nine people who attended twice — with a further 71 people booked in to attend future sessions.

“Both the Geraldton Regional Library and QEII Seniors and Community have received positive feedback about the support sessions, which is fantastic as it’s allowing more people to check-in through ServiceWA and to carry on with day-to-day activities in the wake of COVID-19,” Mr McKim said.

“We look forward to assisting more members of the public to set up the app because we know how important contact tracing is as well as everyone doing their part to keep Western Australia safe.”