9 February 2009
Monash University's Gippsland campus in Churchill continues to be involved in the massive task of supporting fire fighting efforts and assisting members of the community who have been affected by devastating bush fires in the region.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett said the university continued to support the staging area for CFA and DSE fire fighters.
"The Gippsland campus is safe and unaffected by direct fire threat," Professor Bartlett said.
"The fire fighters are to be praised for the work they do and the campus staff are very happy to be supporting their effort."
Professor Bartlett said the campus was currently housing and feeding about 120 fire crew members, plus other emergency services personnel, with meals provided by caterers, Alliance Catering.
"Our own Facilities and Services personnel are also providing logistic support," Professor Bartlett said.
Monash Gippsland is also assisting the municipal emergency centre by providing accommodation for local residents who have been evacuated.
The campus will continue to provide support through the coming weeks 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.
Professor Bartlett said preparation for the intake of 2009 students had not been affected.
"All students and their families can be assured that the campus and student accommodation have not been under threat by the fires," Professor Bartlett said.
"Arrangements are well underway for Orientation Week and residential students will be accessing their accommodation over that weekend." | 
