Joint media statement

Victoria Police have this afternoon confirmed that a student enrolled at La Trobe College Australia died in suspicious circumstances at the Polaris shopping centre in Bundoora on Wednesday 16 January.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and friends.

The entire La Trobe community is shocked and saddened by this appalling crime.

The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is of paramount importance and we are providing every possible support following this tragic incident.  We are encouraging all students and staff to use our range of safety and wellbeing services, including counselling.

La Trobe University is committed to providing a safe university environment. On campus we undertake a range of activities to improve personal and physical safety and our security has been intensified as a result of this incident.

The safety of our students and staff is also of critical importance off campus, including on public transport, and we will continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including Public Transport Victoria, to address serious safety issues on public transport.

La Trobe College Australia and La Trobe University are continuing to assist the police with their inquiries.

We are committed to continuing to work closely with all relevant authorities to address these serious community issues around public safety and violence against women.

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar and La Trobe College Australia College Director/Principal Tony Cranshaw

La Trobe College Australia is owned by Navitas and co-managed by Navitas and La Trobe University. The College is co-located at the La Trobe University campus.