Staff at Singleton Public Library have answered the call from local doctors, harnessing cutting-edge printing technology to create bands to help make wearing face masks more comfortable for healthcare workers in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Utilising the library’s 3D printer was a vital part of the creation of the LABrary.

With this technology council staff have printed and donated over fifty ear guards – a piece of plastic that stretches across the back of the head and secures the two mask straps, alleviating pressure on ears.

Council’s Director Business and Community Services, Anthony Egan, said with greater emphasis on essential services in response to COVID-19 Council’s operations have taken on even more significance to rally the community.

“This crisis has strengthened Singleton Council’s purpose and encouraged us to think outside the square in the delivery of services in this new era of social distancing and isolation,” he said.

Anthony said the library were approached by Singleton Hospital to trial the band printing. This was a challenge the team were quick to respond to.

“The whole idea of the band is that it secures the straps away from the back of ears, so they don’t pull and create tension. The band also includes several loops across its length to allow healthcare workers to adjust the fit as well as prevent gaps at the front of the mask.”

“When the first band was tried on by a local doctor, the feedback was that it was instantly infinitely better.

“We are really pleased to be able to provide this service to our local frontline health staff and are responsive to further requests should we receive them.”

He said Council were also working hard to support the community by continuing to provide essential services as normally as possible – in keeping with government advice and regulations – and the community was responding to new and innovative ways to connect with Council.

An example is the Library’s first home delivery service, which yesterday provided 380 books to 29 customers.

“It has been very difficult to see facilities such as playgrounds and libraries closed, as well as to make decisions such as stopping household waste at the Waste Management Facility because it seems to go against the grain of what Council is here for, and that’s to provide services that bring our community together,” he said.

“But in these times that purpose is strengthened to continue to create community, even though we are socially isolated.

Anthony was proud to say that Council are working together with local businesses to continue providing essential services, either onsite for water and sewer, maintenance of public spaces and repairs to roads and infrastructure or working from home for planning and regulatory services and customer service.

“We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff who are showing up for work – whether onsite or at home – to continue to provide the services people need and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding in these extraordinary circumstances,” he concluded.

IMAGE | Coordinator Community Services, Nicole Lonsdale with Dr Bob Vickers wearing the printed bands.