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Bushfire Information
As the bushfire emergency continues to devastate New South Wales and other parts of Australia, Western’s number one priority is the safety, health and wellbeing of our students, staff and broader community.
We have introduced a range of support initiatives to assist those who are affected by the bushfire emergency. For more information, see the relevant Frequently Asked Questions.
A dedicated information line has also been established on +61 2 9852 5488.
As this crisis continues to unfold, the University will continue to keep students and staff updated on any changes to campus operations via email and SMS. The University’s social channels and this webpage can also be monitored for further updates.
To stay across up-to-date information on the fire danger visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website and download the Fires Near Me app.
Support Initiatives
Western has introduced a range of measures to support our students, staff and surrounding communities affected by the bushfire emergency.
The initiatives include:
- Providing ongoing support and counselling for University staff and students who have been involved in fire-fighting efforts, defending homes and property, protecting livestock and wildlife, and escaping from fire affected areas.
- Providing emergency accommodation for the NSW Rural Fire Service, at campuses that are close to bushfire affected areas.
- Making University student residences available for emergency accommodation for those affected by the bushfires, for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Providing special consideration for affected students and those applying to study at the University this year, including guaranteed deferment of a university place and waiving enrolment deadlines, to provide reassurance and ensure their study plans stay on track.
- Providing support through accommodation grants for students directly affected by the fires, particularly those from rural, regional and remote areas, to provide short-term financial relief for up to 12 months.
- Establishing a dedicated information line to assist any students impacted by the crisis, and provide the with administrative advice and general support.
- In support of staff who are RFS volunteers helping to fight the current bushfires the University will make paid leave provisions available, for up to 4 weeks.
- A dedicated information line to assist any students impacted by the crisis, and provide them with admissions advice and general support.
- Making animal facilities at Hawkesbury campus available for the care of injured wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information for prospective and new students
The fires have been impacting people intermittently, and may continue to do so for some weeks. Some special consideration arrangements are being put in place to assist our prospective and new students through this difficult time.
Some of the special consideration provisions available may require supporting evidence of the impact of the fires. Where this is the case, you will be advised of what type of evidence is required.
If, as a result of the fires in NSW or Victoria, you were unable to accept your True Reward offer on time, you are able to accept now by emailing admissions@westernsydney.edu.au with your details, including your course of offer and where you live.
No, it is not too late. Applications can still be made at https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/ Some courses have limited places available, so contact us on 02 9852 5488 for information about the courses you are interested in studying in 2020.
Yes. Due to the bushfires, we are offering some of our equity scholarships in January Round 1 and some in January Round 2 to give applicants extra time to get their documents together. The closing date for applications and supporting documentation is now 4:30pm, 15 January 2020 for consideration in January Round 2. Information about submitting your application or supporting documents is available at https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/equity-scholarships
Yes. You can enrol yourself via MyStudentRecords (MySR) until the end of the second week of classes. After that, you cannot self-enrol and may need to submit a rule waiver. You can call us on 02 9852 5488 for assistance if you are trying to enrol after the second week of classes.
Yes. You can still register for tutorials once you have enrolled in units. If you need help, you can call us on 02 9852 5488.
I study at Western
The fires have been impacting students and their studies intermittently, and may continue to do so for some weeks. Some special consideration arrangements are being put in place to assist our students through this difficult time.
Some of the special consideration provisions available may require supporting evidence of the impact of the fires. Where this is the case, you will be advised of what type of evidence is required.
Please call us on 02 9852 5488 to discuss your circumstances so that we can work with you to find a solution.
If you were unable to withdraw from your Summer unit before Census as a result of the impact of the fires, you can apply for Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty. You can find the form and more information about this process on our website.
Please note: You will need to provide supporting documents with your application. These need to be from an independent person who is aware of your circumstances, such as a counsellor, a doctor or a religious minister.
You can find information about and apply for a deferred exam on our exams page.
Yes. You can enrol yourself via MyStudentRecords (MySR) until the end of the second week of classes. After that, you cannot self-enrol and may need to submit a rule waiver. You can call us on 02 9852 5488 for assistance if you are trying to enrol after the second week of classes.
Yes. You can still register for tutorials once you have enrolled in units. If you need help, you can call us on 02 9852 5488.
Yes. You can register late, up to Friday 7 February 2020, and we will waive the late fee.
You can find information and apply for a new testamur at replacement testamur and the replacement fee will be waived.
A dedicated information line has been established for those affected by the bushfire emergency, on 9852 5488.
The University’s support services are available if you need to talk with someone. Please contact Welfare and Counselling Services by calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) or via email to welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au or counselling@westernsydney.edu.au
Students can access the assistance noted in terms of accommodation and other support by contacting Welfare Services by calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) or via email to welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au
The University will cover 50% of accommodation costs when residing on campus with Campus Living Villages (CLV) until 31 December 2020. You will be required to pay 50% of accommodation costs plus all incidental costs (utilities and activities fees).
No, the accommodation grant is for Western Sydney University students only.
You can discuss your circumstance with the Welfare Services team by calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) or via email to welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au
No, the accommodation grant is only available to those students residing on campus with Campus Living Villages (CLV).
No, the accommodation grant to support students residing at CLV on campus will only be available until 31 December 2020.
Please contact Welfare Services by calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) or via email to welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au. If you are a community member, or a RFS volunteer, the University will put you in contact with the Campus Living Village location which is most convenient for you.
I work at Western
Please discuss work and leave arrangements with your manager or supervisor in the first instance. If you have any further questions please contact your Senior HR Partner.
Keep your supervisor informed if you will be absent from work. If you are a volunteer assisting with supporting fighting the fires, speak to your Senior HR Partner about the additional leave of up to 4 weeks. They will be able to arrange this for you. You do not need to apply for this leave through Staff OnLine.
Western provides support for our staff via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If you need to talk with someone, call 1800 818 728 or download the AccessEAP app.
Other
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) is immediately making available NTEU Emergency Grants of up to $1,000 for members who have suffered loss of their home, or other significant financial hardship. In addition, members who are suffering financial hardship can apply to the General Secretary for relief from paying union dues for up to 3 months. If you are in this position, please email Fire.Support@nteu.org.au with your details and NTEU will be in touch as soon as possible.
For information on accessing the use of animal housing facilities, and/or discussing operational issues, at the Hawkesbury campus, please contact either:
Gary Martinic
Technical Team Leader – Research Labs & Animal Facilities
Technical Support Services
(02) 4570 1454
OR
Gavin McKenzie
Cluster Manager, Technical Support Services
(02) 4570 1453
