I am incredibly saddened by the worsening COVID-19 situation in India, and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those affected. I would like to extend my support to our Indian community of staff and students at this time.
The ties between India and Australia go back for over two hundred years and the University community values the deep connection we have with colleagues, students, and research and industry partners in India. We also have an extensive Indian community living here in Australia. While we have been fortunate in Australia’s management of the pandemic, many other countries are continuing to deal with its extreme effects and at the moment India is in the throes of a pandemic crisis.
Students in Australia can talk with one of the University counsellors from Student Counselling Services. Support is also available for our students in India and more information is available on our student website.
Support services are available for all staff and their families, both here and in India. For staff, the University has a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service available to support any colleagues or their immediate family who are feeling distressed. The EAP service is also available by telephone or video teleconference to any staff or their family who are based in India.
Regards,
Professor Stephen Garton AM
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
The University of Sydney