Indigenous safety and wellbeing resources
The University acknowledges the destructive impact of racism on individuals and the harm it causes to our community and institution, as outlined in our anti-racism commitment published earlier this year. We are committed to taking necessary action against those who perpetrate racism to ensure the University is a safe and inclusive environment for all.
If you have experienced racism at the University, please contact the Safer Community Program to report incidents and access a range of confidential support and advice.
Additionally, if you or someone you know becomes a target of racial attacks or feels the impact of heightened current media and public attention, there are several support services available. A brief list of them is provided below for your convenience.
Support services available to University employees
The Safer Community Program provides support and advice to members of the University of Melbourne community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)The EAP is a free and confidential service you and your immediate family members can access for any wellbeing issues, including personal wellbeing challenges not related to work. Services are delivered online through video or chat, by telephone or in person.
Specialist counselling and support services are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provided by a team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinicians as part of the Indigenous Cultural Assist and Response for Employees (ICARE). You can book an appointment online or by calling 1800 808 374. If calling to make an appointment, make sure you specify ICARE as the service you'd like to access.
Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour Line
Employees who witness or experience behaviours inconsistent with the University’s Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy, should in the first instance contact their line manager and HR Business Partner. If this is not an option, staff can contact the Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour Line.
Support services available to all Indigenous peoples
The eSafety Commissioner has recently launched a new package of resources, created in consultation with First Nations organisations to help individuals and communities stay safe online.
13YARN is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service have established a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Yarning SafeNStrong is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission
Our role at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is to protect your human rights, to promote fair treatment for all Victorians, and advocate for a diverse and inclusive state. If you (or someone you know) has experienced discrimination, harassment or racial vilification, you have the right to speak up and be heard.
Please prioritise taking care of yourself and those around you. Remember to check in with your family and other community members, and please share any of the relevant support services listed above with them.