The University responds to the tsunami
The tsunami that struck south-east Asia in 2004, caused by the second biggest earthquake in recorded history and killing more than 200,000 people, was a tragedy that touched the world. The University community was directly affected through the experiences of students and staff that came from tsunami-affected areas, as well as through staff and students who either worked in the area prior to the tsunami, or are working there in its aftermath.
The University initially responded by donating $250,000 to four major aid agencies to assist with urgent relief efforts. Another $50,000 was donated to Thailand’s Population Community Development Association (PDA) to assist primary and secondary school children in the Krabi and Phang Nga provinces by providing school lunches, re-establishing school lunch farms, and providing other educational-support packages in tsunami-affectedvillages in southern Thailand. The University already works with the PDA, headed by alumnus Dr Mechai Viravaidya (BCom 1965, LLD 1993), in school lunch and scholarship programs in northern Thailand.
In support of longer-term reconstruction projects, the University set up a separate fund of $250,000 to be used over three years to enable expert staff to travel to affected areas. Funding has thus far been allocated to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences to support Dr Trevor Duke (MBBS 1989, MD 1998) (Paediatrics) to work on a three-year project with colleagues from the Universitas Gadja Mada in Yogyakarta, Central Java and Professor John Clement, a forensic odontologist, to oversee the identification of victims in severely affected areas.
Many other academics are also contributing their expertise. Dr Peter Deutschmann (MBBS 1972), Director, Australian International Health Institute (AIHI), went to India to assess priorities for current and emerging health needs. Associate Professor Harry Minas (MBBS 1975, GDipPsych 1985), Director of the University’s Centre for International Mental Health, in conjunction with Universitas Gadja Mada, undertook an assessment of the psychological needs of traumatised victims. Agreement has been reached on the development of comprehensive community mental health services for Aceh. This is the first such agreement in Indonesia, at Ministry, Provincial and District Health Office levels, with the additional support of NGOs and professional organisations.
Professor John Langford (BE (Agr) PhD) (Melbourne Water Research Centre) visited Sri Lanka to advise on restoration of clean water supplies. Professor Tim Lindsey (BA, BLitt (Hons) 1989, PhD Arts 1996) (Faculty of Law) was engaged by the International Legal Development Organisation to develop mechanisms to resolve disputes arising over land entitlements, as well as the legal status of orphans. Michael Leigh (BA(Hons) 1964) (Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies) was involved in humanitarian assistance in Indonesia for AusAID , particularly with regard to obtaining resources for secondary schools in Aceh.
There have been many other initiatives and activities. The University provided fee relief for students living in the tsunami, affected areas and implemented salary packaging for full-time and part-time University staff wishing to make regular donations to tsunami relief appeals.
The School of Physiotherapy collaborated with the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Indonesian Physiotherapy Association to supply bandages, crutches and wheelchairs. The Engineering Faculty provided technical advice on middle, and longterm rebuilding efforts. The Faculties of Architecture, Building and Planning, Arts, and Education have all contributed through their links with professional associations or government agencies and by staging related events.
Students from the Melbourne University Overseas Student Service (MUOSS) organised a ‘night market’. The proceeds from this and a ‘Bollywood’ Music and Dance Charity Event were presented to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.
Individuals, like Deborah Williams in the School of Creative Arts, personally organised an art auction to support a veterinary program in Indonesia to assist injured animals. Organised through the Humane Society International Asia the auction raised $17,500. A number of the artworks for auction were donated by University staff members.
Asialink, Melbourne University Private, Melbourne University Publishing, Melbourne University Bookshop, the University’s International Office and the Postgraduate Association have also been very generous in their efforts raising money and in working on development and other projects.
The University is very grateful to all the staff, students and alumni who contributed to this impressive response to the tsunami tragedy. It is pleased to have been able to make some difference in the long-term rebuilding of communities after this tragedy.
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