We know that events of this nature can cause significant worry and distress, including for those who may be experiencing the effects from afar. If you need support, Wellbeing Services offers free and confidential support and referrals to students across all our campuses. This service is available to you now and at any stage in the future. 

Students whose studies are being affected and who are unable to attend compulsory classes or placement, please speak with your subject coordinator about your circumstances and the options available to you. 

There are also additional supports available: 

• Wellbeing – access prioritised support from the Wellbeing Services team.    

• Special Consideration – we have simplified the Special Consideration process for students affected by these events. Applications only require a personal statement explaining how your circumstances have affected you. 

If you are in the region, please follow Australian Government advice, be aware of updates and stay safe.

We will continue to follow developments in Nepal and respond to the needs of students and staff across our community. 

If you would like to make a donation to support recovery efforts, please consider donating to the Red Cross Global Emergency Fund, currently accepting donations in support of Nepal.

For information about additional ways to support, please visit the United Nations Sustainable Development Group’s information about the flood response.

During this difficult time, we encourage anyone affected to make use of the support available and to take care of themselves and those around them. 

The post Student support: Nepal appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This is particularly relevant at our Bundoora campus, where extensive waterways and natural areas support large and diverse populations of native birds. These environments are an important part of the campus ecosystem, but the concentration of waterbirds can also create opportunities for disease transmission. Bird flu can cause sudden illness and death, and significant outbreaks have the potential to affect local populations and biodiversity. 

Does bird flu affect humans?

For people, the risk of becoming infected remains very low. Human infections are rare and are generally associated with close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Nevertheless, sensible hygiene and biosecurity practices remain important. Read about possible signs of bird flu here

What steps should you take to stay safe?

If you see a bird or other animal that appears sick, is behaving unusually or has died:

• Do not touch, handle or move it.
• Keep away from the animal and encourage others to do the same.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.
• Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after spending time around waterways or wildlife areas.
• On campus, contact Campus Security and provide the location and a description of what you have observed.

Agriculture Victoria also advises that sick or dead waterbirds should be reported, even when only one bird is affected.

Protecting our campus wildlife is part of protecting the health, biodiversity and sustainability of our University environment. By observing wildlife from a distance and reporting concerns promptly, we can help reduce unnecessary exposure and support an appropriate response.

The post Bird flu: protecting wildlife and our campus community appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Take part and go into the draw to win $100

The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. As a token of appreciation, students who participate can enter a draw and stand to win one of ten $100 Coles gift vouchers.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible if you’re currently enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in a course based at La Trobe University Bendigo Campus.

To learn more about the study, contact Professor Santosh Tadakamadla at s.takadamadla@latrobe.edu.au.

The post Calling Bendigo students for a research study on vaping appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Most men will face challenges like loneliness, relationship breakdowns, stress or uncertainty at some point. Yet these aren’t easy conversations we have with mates, colleagues or classmates.

The new Men’s Wellbeing Conversations podcast from La Trobe Student Wellbeing creates space for honest discussions about the issues many men experience. Through short, practical episodes, it offers professional insights, relatable stories and ideas you can take away and apply to everyday life.

A podcast that keeps men in mind

Whatever you’re dealing with, chances are someone else has been through it too. Hearing different perspectives can help us make sense of our own experiences and feel more confident about taking the next step.

Our podcasts covers subjects such as:

• Breaking up — and how to get through it
• Loneliness — why it hits men hard
• Exercise your brain — what movement actually does for your head
• No couch required —the myths and barriers around men and counselling.

Where can you listen to the podcast?

Episodes will be available on our dedicated Men’s Wellbeing YouTube channel, where we’ll also share other helpful wellbeing videos and resources throughout the year. This makes it simple for you to access content anywhere, anytime and on any device.

Find out more about men’s health and wellbeing here. Or get in touch with us at menswellbeing@latrobe.edu.au

The post Let’s talk about men’s health and wellbeing appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Student Events

Finding Pride Workshop: Belonging, Pride & Self-Acceptance (online)

Tuesday 25 August, 1:30pm – 3pm
Online via Zoom
Registrations essential

We’re excited to offer a special online workshop during La Trobe Pride Week so that we can come together as a community and create a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and growth.

This interactive workshop is designed for LGBTQIA+ students and will provide a welcoming and affirming space to:

• Connect with other LGBTQIA+ students from across La Trobe.
• Explore experiences of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance.
• Reflect on the strengths and resilience that have helped you navigate challenges.
• Learn practical ways to respond more kindly to self-doubt and self-criticism.
• Celebrate pride, community, and what matters most to you.

Queer Club x Fencing Club – Come and Try! (Bundoora)

La Trobe Queer Club and La Trobe Fencing Club are teaming up to host an introduction to fencing! This session is for total beginners to come and try fencing in a LGBTIQA+ affirming environment.

Time: 6:30pm, 26 August 2026
Place: Menzies Studios 202
Registrations essential

Wear it Purple Day

Each year, the last Friday in August is Wear it Purple Day, a day to wear purple as a way to support creating safer, more inclusive and empowering environments for LGBTIQA+ community members.

Friday 28 August, we encourage all La Trobe community members to show their support by:

• Wear something purple
• Change your Teams or Zoom background to use during meetings and classes: Download a Wear it Purple Teams background
• Check out what’s on: Wear it Purple Calendar of Events

What else is happening?

The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS)

Have your say on campus and student safety in the NSSS, opening September 14 – keep an eye on your emails for the link. This survey shapes policies, services and other national initiatives that help keep university students safe from violence and other forms of harm, like discrimination.

The Hookup, Edition 2 is coming!

Did you know that La Trobe University has an exclusive student-focused, no-nonsense, evidence-backed sexual and reproductive health annual magazine? Now you do! Get your copy of The Hook Up Edition 2 (and Edition 1 if you missed out last year) on launch day Thursday September 10 in front of the Bundoora Library at 11am – 1pm, or take a copy from your campus library or student centre from late September onwards.

Resources for Learning and Action

Here are some useful links that may support your planning and learning this Pride Week.

La Trobe Library: LGBTIQA+ Guide
Curated resources from La Trobe Library to support learning and research around LGBTIQA+ topics.

Interaction: Intersex Briefings
Briefings and educational resources focused on the rights, needs and experiences of intersex people in Australia.

TransHub: Allies
Practical guidance for allies supporting trans and gender diverse people, including tips for respectful language and inclusive behaviour.

Australian Government Style Manual: Inclusive Language
Guidance on writing respectfully and inclusively about gender and sexual diversity in professional and public communications.

Looking for support?

La Trobe provides free and confidential wellbeing support to students, including counselling, financial advice, legal services and more: Visit the Wellbeing Services page.

Our dedicated LGBTIQA+ counselling service for free, confidential support from professional LGBTIQA+ counsellors.

Safer Community provides, confidential service for students to report concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour they may have experienced or witnessed at the University.

The post Pride Week at La Trobe in 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The 2026 National Student Safety Survey will open soon in participating universities across Australia.  

The survey is an opportunity for students to share their perceptions and experiences of sexual violence and harm. It provides important information to help inform prevention efforts, strengthen support services and drive continued action across Australian universities. 

Who is being asked to complete the survey? 

The survey is for all students in participating universities, irrespective of whether they have experienced sexual violence or harm. Participation in the survey is voluntary and responses will be completely confidential.  

When will La Trobe students be asked to complete the survey? 

Between Monday 7 September and Monday 5 October, you will receive an invitation and reminders to participate in the survey. 

Who is running the survey? 

The survey is being conducted independently by Roy Morgan on behalf of Universities Australia. 

Why complete the survey? 

Your voice matters. If you choose to participate, your experiences and perspectives can help inform positive change and contribute to safer campuses for current and future students.  

How will my answers be shared? 

Your individual responses will be confidential and will not be shared with the University. The survey will not ask for your name, dates, or any other information that could identify you or anyone else. 

More information about the survey 

Visit the Universities Australia website for detailed information about the survey and to read their frequently asked questions. 

La Trobe support services 

We know discussing sexual violence and harm can be very distressing for some people in our community. We have many free and confidential support services that can help.  

• In an emergency, call 000, then La Trobe Security on (03) 9479 2222. 

• Contact Wellbeing Services by completing the online self-referral form or calling (03) 9479 2956 during business hours. 

• Specialist counselling and support for gender-based violence, sexual violence and sexual harm, including referrals to specialist services is also available. Find out more on our website.  

• For concerns about gender-based violence, sexual violence, harassment, bullying or abuse, contact Safer Community for advice, support and referrals. 

• If you need urgent support outside business hours, call 1300 146 307 or text +61488 884 100. This service operates weekdays from 5pm to 9am, and 24/7 on weekends and public holidays. 

Support services available outside of La Trobe 

There are a variety of support services outside the university which are also free and confidential.  

The National Student Safety Survey Counselling Line on 1800 572 224 is a 24/7 free and confidential support service with trained counsellors who specialise in sexual, domestic and family violence support.  

Or take a look at the variety of services available on the Universities Australia website. 

The post The National Student Safety Survey is coming soon appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Sexual harm is never ok. 

….but support is always available.  

We know that sexual harm is common in Australian universities. We also know that some students don’t understand what sexual harm is, and don’t know where to report or seek support if they witness or experience it.  

At La Trobe, we have free, confidential support services and safe reporting options if you have experienced sexual harm yourself, witness something or concerned about someone else.  

Who are Safer Community? 

La Trobe’s  Safer Community service is a free and confidential support and reporting service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour including sexual harm, in physical or online spaces please visit the Safer Community website to contact the service. You can also use the website to contact Safer Community anonymously. 

Want to know what to expect when you contact Safer Community? Visit  What to expect when you contact Safer Community. 

Learn more

Want to know what to expect when you contact Safer Community? Visit What to expect when you contact Safer Community. 

Who are Wellbeing Services? 

Wellbeing Services offer free and confidential mental health and wellbeing support services for students. 

Students can talk to Wellbeing staff about the impact of sexual harm including online or tech facilitated abuse, or other things like family issues, relationships, stress about university, lack of motivation, stress at home, homesickness, feeling low or anxious, etc. Whatever issues you want to talk about! 

Learn more

The Safe and Respected at La Trobe Campaign 

You may have seen the campaign online and on posters across campus – on pillars, bulletin boards, cafes, libraries and on footpaths at Bundoora and Bendigo. The posters have key messages outlining what sexual harm is, that sexual harm is never ok, and how to seek help and support.  

The campaign aims to help prevent and respond to sexual harm and inform students of reporting and support options. This is part of La Trobe’s commitment to create a campus environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported. 

Get involved and build your skills through Respect at La Trobe Training!

You can play an active role in creating a safer, more respectful campus by joining Responding to Disclosures training. The training is delivered by students, for students– in a one-hour session building the skills and confidence to recognize and respond to harmful behaviours.

Student Leaders Training: Responding to Disclosures of Gender-Based Violence  

This workshop will equip student leaders with the skills to: 

• recognise gender-based violence, including sexual harm 
• respond supportively and without judgement if someone discloses that they are experiencing harm 
• refer someone on to support, including appropriate pathways and processes 

These sessions are open to all students and participants will receive a certificate once completed.

 Content Note: This training contains discussion of gender-based violence, including sexual harm and family violence, and may be distressing for some people. Participants are advised to make their own assessment on the suitability of this workshop.  

Upcoming dates:  
Thursday 13 August, 4pm – 5pm
Location: 
Online via Zoom 

Supports at La Trobe 

• Connect with La Trobe’s Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect. 

• Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.   

Want to talk to someone outside of La Trobe? See these external supports: 

• 1800 RESPECT: national sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732  
• ESafety Commissioner: can help you report and deal with online abuse or illegal and restricted content. 
• NCASA: 03 9496 2369, a sexual assault service located in Heidelberg. An NCASA counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly and can be accessed through Wellbeing Services.  
• CASACV: 03 5441 0430 for Bendigo students, trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support for students who have experienced sexual assault, either recently or in the past. A CASACV counsellor visits the Bendigo Campus fortnightly and can be accessed through Wellbeing Services. 
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line: provides crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292.  
• Djirra:  Djirra is a place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to all Aboriginal women and particularly to those who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.  Tel: 1800 105 3030  
• Daisy app: connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.  
•  QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527  
• Men’s Line: free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78. 

The post Support options at La Trobe for sexual harm appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Online spaces make university life more connected and accessible. Group chats, social media, gaming spaces, dating apps and online study groups are an everyday part of student life. Everyone should be able to use online spaces, feeling safe and respected. 

Unfortunately, sometimes, online behaviours can make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. When that happens, it can impact how you feel on campus, and it can also affect how you feel at home, in your relationships and wider community. 

That is why online safety is an important part of building a safe and respectful La Trobe community. Running from 13 July to 14 August, the Safe and Respected campaign reminds us that our online interactions can shape how safe and respected people feel across campus, while helping raise awareness of behaviours that constitute sexual and online harm.  

What is online harm or abuse?  

Online harm or abuse can include:  

• repeated unwanted messages, threats, intimidation or harassment 

• pressure to send intimate images or videos 

• sharing or threatening to share intimate images without content 

• Monitoring, controlling or tracking someone online without their consent  

Online harm can also include sexual harm. 

Did you know that there are Online Safety Laws in Australia? 

The laws protect against: 

• sharing explicit images or videos without consent 

• illegal and violent content including the sexual abuse of children or encouraging terrorism 

• cyberbullying – when someone uses the internet to humiliate, harass, intimidate or threaten a person under the age of 18 

• severely abusive content that is menacing, harassing or offensive and intended to cause serious mental or physical harm to someone who is 18 or older 

Online safety laws address the most severe types of online abuse and enable the  eSafety Commissioner to remove severely harmful online content. 

How can you ensure safety online? 

If online spaces feel unsafe, report and seek support early. You can also regularly check and update your privacy and location settings on online media. Use the restrict, block or report options where possible. If someone threatens you, do not continue engaging with them and cut all contact. 
 
If you are supporting someone experiencing online harm, check in with them privately and encourage them to seek support or report the issue. Understanding what online harm looks like can make it easier to respond effectively and get the right support. Check out the e-safety guide or Young People | eSafety Commissioner to help you navigate social platforms safely.  

Learn what you can report to eSafety and how to report abuse or content to eSafety. 

Have you seen our campaign videos on MyLaTrobe socials?  

Watch our campaign video on the E-safety Commissioner. Week 3 – Online Safety 1 – e-safety commissioner.mp4) 

Get involved in the campaign 

1. Sign up for Respect at La Trobe Student Leaders Training (open for all students). 

2. Explore the new RESPECT AT LA TROBE webpage for events and resources. 

3. View the Safe and Respected at La Trobe campaign website to learn more. 

4. Watch out for updates on the National Student Safety Survey where you can have your say on safety. Visit the NSSS page to learn more. 

For more information about this article and the Safe and Respected campaign, email  respect@latrobe.edu.au.  

 
Supports:  

•  La Trobe’s Safer Community Service, a free and confidential support service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour of any kind, online, or in-person, please visit the Safer Community website to contact the service.  

• Connect with La Trobe’s Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect. 

• Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.   

External supports: 

• 1800 RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732  

• ESafety Commissioner: Information and reporting about online abuse.  

• CASACV: Trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support for students who have experienced sexual assault.  

• NCASA: Sexual assault service located in Heidelberg. An NCASA counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly and can be accessed through Health Wellbeing and Inclusion. Tel: 03 9496 2369 

• Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292 

• Djirra: Support for Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people experiencing family violence.  Tel: 1800 105 3030 

• Daisy app: Connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.  

•  QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527  

• Men’s Line: Free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78 

The post Safe and Respected – Online appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

UniSafe is a free service, available from 6pm to 6am, to all La Trobe students and staff on our Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses.

You can use it to request security to escort you:

• between campus buildings
• to campus car parks
• to on-campus student accommodation
• to local transport options – Melbourne (Bundoora) campus only

Request UniSafe by calling Security on 03 9479 2222, or if you’re on our Melbourne Campus, download the UniSafe app from the App Store or Google Play.

With the UniSafe app you can:

• Make your booking in just a few taps
• Book up to an hour in advance
• Get real-time updates on your booking
• See exactly where the UniSafe vehicle is
• Rate your experience to help us improve our service

Visit the Uni-Safe webpage to find out more.

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We recognise the unique needs of men at La Trobe when it comes to maintaining good mental and physical health. Our role is to support you in achieving your goals and getting what you want out of life.

Seeking support…not always easy

Many guys say it feels challenging to seek support. Expectations from our society about being strong, independent, and solving problems alone, can make it hard. When men do seek out support they sometimes feel what’s available doesn’t fit their needs or actually speak to them.

Encouragingly, more men are seeking support and seeing this as a sign of strength.

Support for the men at La Trobe

The Men’s Health and Wellbeing Program provides counselling and information with men in mind. Our men’s wellbeing counsellor has extensive experience supporting men and understands the complexities of seeking support and just how difficult it can be to take that first step.

Counselling tailored for men
Men access counselling at our service every day. Support is relaxed, confidential and tailored to each person’s goals. It’s available for anyone wanting to improve their mental health, discuss men’s related issues, or who prefer to see a male counsellor.

Men’s health information/Workshops
Throughout the year we share updates, research, and practical wellbeing information through student communications and in person on campus too.

Men’s Wellbeing Podcast
Our new “Men’s wellbeing conversations” podcast is up and running with information, interviews and topics on what guys are facing today for the men of La Trobe. Listen here.

More information

Men’s wellbeing counselling is available in person at the Melbourne campus or via Zoom for all campuses.

To learn more about the program and check out the podcast visit the website.

Or to book an appointment, click below:

Urgent support

If you need immediate support, contact the La Trobe University Crisis Line for Out-of-Hours Mental Health and Wellbeing Support: Phone 1300 146 307 or text 0488 884 100.

The service operates 5pm–9am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.

The post Men’s health & wellbeing support services at La Trobe appeared first on MyLaTrobe.