University of Tasmania, Australia

Summary of current assistance available to UTAS students:

• Counselling advice and support via the Student Centre, which can help not only with any trauma responses but also practical concerns around study capacity
• Support from faculty based Student Advisers regarding academic concerns due to impact of fires
• Some financial support through the University Safety Net Scheme to assist with short term costs in order to maintain university study loads 
• Bursaries (see further information below) through the Scholarships Office to assist those impacted to continue (or commence) study in 2013 
• Consideration if withdrawal from a unit is the only option due to the impact of the disaster
• Consideration for impact on study capacity and academic performance due to the disaster

Please contact the Student Centre to discuss any of the above with either a Counsellor or Student Adviser:

South 6226 2697 

North 6324 3787

North West 6430 4949 

or 1800 817 675 statewide.

Annual Appeal Emergency Bursary

In response to the Tasmanian bushfires early in 2013 the UTAS Foundation made a call for donations to UTAS alumni and friends through the Annual Appeal. The resulting funds will be made available to students who have been impacted by the bushfire events and require financial assistance to commence or continue their studies in 2013.

If you are a current student or just starting at UTAS and have been impacted by the bushfires, we encourage you to apply for the Annual Appeal Emergency Bursary. You may be affected either directly where you live or your means of support such as parents' work or your own income.

Go to the Scholarships website to download an application form containing further information, including eligibility.

Text of email sent by the Vice-Chancellor to all students, 14 January 2013

Dear Students

I, like all of you, have been deeply saddened by the devastation and distress wrought by the severe bushfires in Tasmania. Our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected, especially those who have lost property as a result of the fires.

Affected students can access counselling, advice and support through the Student Centre. Support is also available from Faculty-based student advisers regarding academic concerns, and some financial support may be available through the University Safety Net Scheme to assist with short-term costs. If you require advice or support, please contact the Student Centre on 6226 2697 (south), 6324 3787 (north) or 6430 4949 (north west) or via 1800 817 675.

The University is very proud of the many staff and students contributing directly to the bushfire response. Members of the University have fought fires as volunteers, independently provided assistance to those protecting properties or provided food to volunteers, SES staff and families. Others are looking after livestock and taking care of children. It is wonderful to be part of such a caring community.

Through Accommodation Services we were able to provide emergency accommodation at the Sandy Bay campus for evacuees, many of whom had spent their previous night sleeping on the ground in the open. University accommodation in Hobart and Launceston was also offered to interstate fire crews and will remain available to those in need.

Staff have been provided with the option of making a financial contribution through their pay and the University will match these voluntary personal donations to a total value of $20,000.

The efforts of the UTAS community in support of the disaster appeal will continue through the year. The TUU will be organising fundraising events in the first few weeks of semester. Keep watch for these as they are advertised and please support where you can.

Other opportunities to support the bushfire response are listed at:

Bushfire Recovery

Kind regards

Peter Rathjen
Vice-Chancellor
University of Tasmania

(14 January 2013)