Assistance for members of the University community
Counselling services
The Counselling Service is offering specific and priority support and assistance to members of the University community impacted in any way by the distressing and tragic events during the recent bushfires across Victoria.
- Open lunchtime group meetings, led by two counsellors, every week, for anyone wishing to discuss and obtain support in relation to a bushfire-related experience or distress. Sharing experiences with colleagues or reflecting on your own experiences in a supportive environment can be very helpful.
Seminar room, Level 1, 138 Cardigan Street.
Staff – Wednesdays from 18 February.
Students - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 March. - The Counselling Service has priority times for quick response for staff and students seeking individual counselling for issues arising from the bushfires. Contact the service on 8344 6927 for an appointment.
- If you have concerns about a friend or colleague, you can also call this number to discuss the best way for you to support them.
Further information: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/emergencies/bushfire_response.html
Injured animals
The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Veterinary Science will provide free care at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital to pets and horses injured in the recent bushfires.
http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/news/5677/
For injured dogs and cats, contact the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital on 9731 2232 (24 hours).
For injured horses, contact the Equine Centre at the University of Melbourne on 9731 2268.
Staff Welfare Fund
The Staff Welfare Fund assists staff members, or their dependent families, in circumstances of special need. How to apply for assistance from the Staff Welfare Fund is set out in the Personnel Policy and Procedures Section 10.13.
All requests for assistance are treated confidentially.
Students
Services which are available to current students who have been affected by the Victorian bushfires.
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/StudentCentre/update.html
Important contacts
- CFA bushfire hotline: 1800 240 667 or website at: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au for information on current fire situation and recommended action, community meetings and location of recovery centres.
- State Emergency Service: 132 500 for urgent assistance.
- Google Australia Blog has a live updating google map of the fires and their status at:
http://google-au.blogspot.com/2009/02/mapping-victorian-fires.html - The ABC is the official fire information broadcaster:
They have relevant websites at: http://www.abc.net.au/gippsland/ or http://www.abc.net.au/goulburnmurray/ - VicRoads’ website provides information on road closures at:
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/NewsRoom/BushFiresRoadClosures/ - The Department of Sustainability and Environment has a Fire and Emergency website but because of heavy traffic has requested that only those who are concerned for their immediate personal safety visit the site.