January 10, 2020

Bushfire response update: 10 Jan, 2020

Continued shelter offered, campus closures extended

The University of Wollongong stands ready to continue supporting local communities affected by the bushfire emergency and has announced an extension to the suspension of normal operations at several regional campuses ahead of a weekend of heightened fire danger throughout the region.

Bega and Batemans Bay campuses ready to assist further

Having provided places of refuge for students, staff and community members over the last two weeks, staff at the Bega and Batemans Bay campuses have been busy preparing to provide further support to the community as fires continue burning between Batemans Bay and the Victorian border, at the same time as relief and recovery operations get underway.

Stocks of bottled water, breathing masks and other vital supplies are being renewed in anticipation of very high fire danger days and volatile weather ahead.

Staff and both campuses will be facilitating access as far as they are able, while also defending their own homes and attending to the safety of their own loved ones.

Campus closures extended until 20 January

After assessing the remaining fire threat and community disruptions, the University has extended the suspension of normal campus operations in force at its Bega, Batemans Bay, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands campuses for a further week, until Monday 20 January, 2020.

While the Bega and Batemans Bay campuses will be open to support bushfire relief, the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands campuses will remain closed.

Arrangements are in place for students and staff affected by these closures.

The situation across all campuses will be continually monitored and re-assessed throughout the coming week. If conditions allow for normal campus operations to resume prior to 20 January, announcements will be made and students, staff and business tenants will be contacted.

“As the scale of this disaster becomes more apparent, I want to reiterate my condolences and sincere sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses or property during these devastating fires.

“I also again thank the many staff, students and community members who are selflessly serving others during this crisis — whether on the front line firefighting or in providing safety, comfort, relief and recovery assistance.

“The University of Wollongong is proud to be supporting the communities in which we operate during this crisis and we look forward to exploring opportunities to continuing offering support as we work to rebuild our futures together,” UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings CBE, said.

Further information

Read more about the University of Wollongong’s response to the NSW bushfires here...