Living safely in Victoria and Australia
Student Safety Information for La Trobe University International Students living in Victoria or travelling Australia
What you need to know – Quick-facts
Handy Hint: Carry with you the credit card sized Victorian Essential Services Guide for Overseas Students, provided in your Welcome Pack.
Security and emergency situations
Emergencies – Dial 000
The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you. It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life threatening or emergency situations ONLY. Emergency 000 lines should not be used for general medical assistance.
Calling Emergency Services - DIAL 000
In Australia dial 000 from any phone for fire, police or ambulance services. 112 may also be dialled from mobile phones. Dialling 112 will override key locks on mobile phones and therefore save time.
How it works
Emergency Services operators answer this number quickly and to save time will say, “Police, Fire, or Ambulance”. If you are unsure of what emergency service you need tell the operator what the emergency is. You will then be connected to the appropriate service to assist. It is wise to think ahead with the most important information which will help them to respond. Where you are; (note street names and the closest intersection), what has happened and to whom; what their condition is. The operator may then ask you to stay on the phone until the emergency services arrive. In life threatening situations the operator may also give you some instructions to assist until the emergency unit arrives. If you are concerned about your English, remain calm and work with the operators who are very experienced with all cultures.
First-responder
Emergency services operate on a “first-responder” basis. This means that the closest emergency services vehicle to you will be dispatched to assist until the service needed can attend. Eg: If you require an ambulance and police or fire services are closer to you they are all trained in first-response for an emergency. Fire services can assist with medical help until the ambulance arrives, likewise police will not be there to arrest you but to provide the fastest assistance until the paramedics arrive.
Crime Stoppers (Australia-wide service)
Crime Stoppers is a program which collects crime information which may help police solve a crime. Some people prefer not to become involved in a police investigation and therefore may not share what they know about a crime directly with police. Crime Stoppers welcomes that same crime information and the person providing it does not need to give his or her name.
1800 333 000 is a free call from standard telephones, a local call from mobile phones. Staff in the Crime Stoppers call centre will note your information and ask some questions so that they fully understand the details you are giving. A report is then prepared and forwarded to the most appropriate police for investigation. Crime Stoppers prefers to receive telephone calls, to enable a conversation about the crime with the caller.
Worldcare 24 hour emergency assistance 13 67 42
La Trobe University
Bundoora - Campus security 03 9479 2222
- After hours security escort 03 9479 2012
- Emergency hotline 1800 800 613 (number for on-campus problems from public or mobile phone - free call)
Regional campus security
Bendigo
- Campus security 03 5444 7349
- Emergency extension 8999 or 7999
- Free call 1800 077 043
Albury-Wodonga
- Campus security 02 6024 8222
- 24 hour mobile service 0418 459 324
- If no answer dial national emergency 000
