Monash University's Gippsland campus provides assistance to the fire effort

1 February 2009

Monash University's Gippsland has been commended for its rapid response in providing the resources of the campus to establish the staging area for the many agencies involved in combating the Delburn fire incident.

These agencies, including CFA, DSE, DHS, Latrobe City and St John Ambulance, have been working around the clock, since the fire started in the Strzelecki Ranges last Friday, 29 January 2009.

Premier John Brumby arrived at the Gippsland campus on Sunday afternoon after visiting the Boolarra township where 29 homes have been lost. He acknowledged the extraordinary team effort and the many inspirational stories of people pulling together from surrounding communities."

Professor Helen Bartlett, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the campus praised Monash University staff and service personnel at Gippsland who she said had done an amazing job in support of this community effort.

Local firefighting crews and teams from across Victoria have been arriving on the campus around the clock, for meals and rest breaks before heading back to the fire front. Their work will continue throughout this week with containment and recovery activities.

The campus catering staff have served hundreds of hot meals and breakfasts and also prepared lunch-packs that were taken out to fire crews.

Professor Bartlett said it was fortunate that the bulk of Gippsland campus students had not commenced classes for the year.

"Student accommodation housing has been very helpful for many local evacuees - some of whom have arrived very distressed, having lost their homes or not knowing if their home will survive," Professor Bartlett said.

Professor Bartlett assured students and their families that the Monash Gippsland campus has been safe at all times and a significant distance from any fire threat.

The campus will continue to provide support through this week during the recovery period as the needs of local families are assessed and the fire crews continue to work to bring the fires under control.