UOW stands with community in face of bushfire emergency

Campus closures, arrangements for affected students and staff announced

UOW stands with community in the face of bushfire emergency

University of Wollongong (UOW) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, has reaffirmed the University’s support for local communities affected by the 2019-2020 summer bushfires and announced arrangements for campuses, students and staff affected by the crisis.

“Being a multi-campus institution operating in regions of NSW that have been devastated by bushfires, and as many of our students come from areas affected or under threat, the University of Wollongong stands with the community as we confront this unprecedented emergency,” Professor Wellings said.

Over the Christmas/New Year period, as fires ravaged NSW South Coast towns and villages, UOW’s Batemans Bay and Bega campuses have become additional places of refuge for displaced residents, students and holidaymakers alongside the main community evacuation centres.

Some staff at these campuses have worked tirelessly to serve their communities despite their own homes being under threat or lost in the blazes.

In Nowra, the University’s Shoalhaven Campus remains among the many homes, businesses, community facilities and infrastructure under threat from approaching fires.

UOW is proud of staff members who are serving their community as NSW Rural Fire Service or NSW State Emergency Services volunteers, or in any other volunteer capacity. Our bushfire experts continue to offer their expertise to assist the NSW Government and the broader community.

“On behalf of everyone at the University of Wollongong, I offer condolences and sincere sympathy to the students, staff, residents and visitors who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses or property during these devastating fires.

“I also thank all those serving with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other emergency services and supporting organisations for your courage and selfless dedication during this time. Your commitment to community in the face of such a prolonged and large-scale crisis is inspiring and much appreciated.

“Thank you also to the more than 100 UOW staff who have already committed to support the University’s Bushfire Appeal through our UOW Cares Workplace Giving Program.

“All donations made by staff via payroll deduction to the NSW Rural Fire Service will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the University.

“I encourage all staff who have not already done so to consider supporting our community in this way.”

Campus closures

With a renewed state of emergency declared for seven days from Friday 3 January, the bushfires will continue to impact on operations at some UOW campuses.

Normal operations at the Bega, Batemans Bay and Shoalhaven Campuses will be suspended until at least Monday 13 January, 2020.

“As some staff and students have endured losses and cannot safely reach their campus, this temporary suspension of operations will allow for the immediate danger to pass and time for the community to adjust.

“A re-assessment of the bushfire threat will be made throughout next week to determine if any further postponement of normal operations is required.”

The Batemans Bay and Bega campuses will continue to provide additional places of refuge alongside the main community evacuation centres.

The Shoalhaven Campus will remain closed due to the threat of fires in the West Nowra area.

At this stage, the Wollongong, Innovation, Southern Highlands, Southern Sydney (Loftus), South West Sydney (Liverpool) and Sydney CBD campuses are currently unaffected. At these locations, classes, research, school holiday activities and other campus operations will continue as scheduled.

Arrangements for affected students

Arrangements are being made to assist students and staff impacted by the bushfires.

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