This message from the Acting Vice-Chancellor was sent to all students on Saturday 10 January. This message may be updated as more information becomes available.
Overnight, the Victorian Premier declared a State of Disaster for 18 Local Government Areas as bushfires continue to threaten Victorian communities, particularly in central and northern Victoria.
This means the Government has deemed the bushfires an emergency that constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a significant and widespread danger to life or property.
This remains a fast-changing situation. Sadly, we know that some of our La Trobe community has been impacted, including through displacement from their homes and loss of property.
Our thoughts are with all affected communities, and we recognise the outstanding efforts of the emergency services personnel and volunteers currently working around the clock.
I would also like to acknowledge that many of our staff and students are volunteering their time to support affected communities.
Please be aware that:
- All our campuses remain open and available as a resource for staff, students and the community more broadly.
- All classes scheduled at our regional campuses of Bendigo, Shepparton, Albury-Wodonga and Mildura will be cancelled for the week commencing 12 January.
- Classes at our Melbourne (City and Bundoora) and Sydney campuses will continue as scheduled. However, no one should risk travelling through affected areas to attend class. Please observe directions from emergency services.
- Students undertaking clinical placements and work-based learning in regional Victoria should get in touch with their subject coordinator to determine the most appropriate steps based on their personal circumstances.
- Emergency student accommodation may be available for any students and their families who have been displaced from their homes. Please contact Living at La Trobe Accommodation Services to discuss via phone on +61 3 9479 1071 or email at living@latrobe.edu.au.
Emergency information and support services
- Remember to check the VicEmergency and NSW Rural Fire Service websites and apps regularly, monitor your surrounding conditions and be prepared to act on instructions issued by emergency services or the University.
- Be aware of the air quality in your area and take precautions if necessary for your health. You can check for updates at EPA Airwatch.
- The Victorian Government’s free service Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24) offers qualified nursing staff for professional health advice 24 hours a day.
- The Department of Health website contains information on extreme heat and advice on practical tips to protect yourself and others, including staying well hydrated.
Student support and services
- Emergency Aid Funds are available for students. More information, including on how to apply, is available on our website.
- Special Consideration. The application processes for Special Consideration for impacted students has been streamlined to require only a personal statement that outlines your situation.
- Our Health and Wellbeing team provides prioritised support to students who are affected by bushfires.
- Appointments with a counsellor can be made by emailing counselling@latrobe.edu.au or calling 03 9479 2956 during business hours.
- For 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support outside of normal University hours, students can access services for free by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.
- Students can also contact 1800 RESPECT for 24/7 telephone counselling, information and support if they have experienced, or are at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
- We encourage students to contact one of our Student Advisors if they have any particular concerns or support needs. Our Advisors can provide further advice, support and connection to University services.
Fieldwork safety assessment
To ensure the safety of our students in the ever-changing fire-risk environment, teams scheduled for fieldwork within Australia are required to review and re-submit a fieldwork safety assessment that reflects the changed conditions, in accordance with the Health and Safety Procedure – Fieldwork Safety.
For regions where a Catastrophic fire-danger rating has been issued, students must not travel into any affected areas. This includes driving between campuses or research field trips.
Please take care and stay safe. I want to restate that the safety and wellbeing of you and your family are the highest priority. Please continue to monitor emergency advice and be aware that conditions can change quickly.
Professor Rob Pike
Acting Vice-Chancellor