This afternoon our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, wrote to our students and staff to inform them a commemorative space has been established in front of our Quadrangle on our Camperdown campus in memory of our student and other victims of the terrible Bondi Junction tragedy. His full message is below.
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Dear students and colleagues,
Today the flags at the Quadrangle are flying at half-mast in memory of our student and the other victims of the terrible Bondi Junction tragedy. In the face of such a senseless loss, coming together to mourn as a community can provide some comfort. From this afternoon through to Saturday 20 April, the grassed area at the front of the University Quadrangle near the Great Hall will be a space for people to commemorate the lives lost.
All members of our extended community, including students of other universities and local residents, are welcome to come here and place flowers and small cards in memory of our student who has died. The family of our student has asked that no other identifying messages or photos be placed at the memorial, and we sincerely ask that this wish be respected.
I again encourage anyone who needs help to contact support services. Student Wellbeing services are free and confidential for all students and can be contacted 24/7. If you’re concerned about the wellbeing of a student, I encourage you to complete a care report.
Our Employee Assistance Program offers 24/7 confidential counselling for staff and their families, and a dedicated support line will is available for affected staff and has been communicated locally. 24-hour support is also available from Lifeline via text, online chat, or by calling 13 11 14.
Take care,
Mark
Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
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Dear students and colleagues,
Like you, I am shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and loss of life that occurred at Bondi Junction on the weekend. This morning, police confirmed that a University of Sydney student was one of the victims who died in this tragic incident.
On behalf of the University, I extend my sincere condolences to the student’s family and friends. We are working closely with the Chinese consulate and the student's family to assist in any way we can. Police and the student’s family have asked that we do not release the student’s name at this stage.
I urge anyone who needs help to contact support services. Student Wellbeing services are free and confidential for all students and can be contacted 24/7.
Our Employee Assistance Program offers 24/7 confidential counselling for staff and their families, and a dedicated support line will be made available for affected staff and will be communicated locally. 24-hour support is also available from Lifeline via text, online chat, or by calling 13 11 14.
This is a deeply distressing event, but I want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident and police have advised there is no ongoing danger.
Please take time today to check in on each other, this is a deeply distressing time for our community and I encourage you to look after each other and access the support available.
Kind regards,
Mark
Professor Mark Scott AO
Vice-Chancellor and President