Easing of restrictions in regional Victoria will commence as of 11.59pm, Monday 9 August
Regional restrictions will ease as of 11.59pm tonight, Monday 9 August, allowing our communities to reconnect and our regional campuses to re-open.
Current restrictions still apply for metropolitan Melbourne and our Burwood Campus remains closed as per the August 5 announcement.
What do regional Victorians need to know?
- There are no stay-at-home requirements, however, if you can study from home, you should.
- Travel is permitted in regional Victoria with no limit on the distance you can travel.
- You cannot travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for permitted reasons.
- Face masks are to be worn at all times – both indoors and outdoors – except if you are at home or if an exemption applies.
- Private gatherings in the home are not permitted.
- Outdoor gatherings in public spaces can occur with up to 10 people.
- Food and hospitality venues will open for seated service only with density limits.
What about learning and other uni activities?
All classes and seminars (all campuses) remain online until after the intra-trimester break, Monday 23 August; at which time, subject to restrictions, we will return to the normal timetable.
In response to the easing of restrictions in regional Victoria, some experiential and practical learning opportunities will re-commence. It is essential you monitor your unit sites for the most up-to-date information.
In metropolitan Melbourne, scheduled on-campus teaching, events and other activities remain paused, until 11.59pm, Friday 13 August. Experiential learning is permitted for some healthcare and final-year students. Please check your unit sites for the most up-to-date information.
Clinical placements, other placements and work-integrated learning
Approved student health and medical placements (including those beyond the five-kilometre limit, and regional students needing to enter metropolitan areas), will continue where partner institutions remain open. Check your unit sites and Deakin email for more information.
In regional Victoria, work-integrated learning may return to face-to-face delivery, be offered online or be postponed. If you are affected, you’ll be directly contacted.
Please note: our teaching teams are continuing to work hard to adapt and confirm all arrangements. Student activities can occur across the regional/metro divide without a permit. See your unit sites and Deakin email for updated information.
If you do need to attend campus, you must:
- Always carry and wear your face mask, indoors and outdoors.
- Adhere to all COVIDSafe practices, including check-in via the COVIDSafe QR codes.
- Self-check and stay home if you’re unwell – use the Symptom Checker testing and quarantine guidance.
- Complete the Deakin’s COVIDSafe module before attending a campus for the first time.
- Maintain good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitiser available.
Getting assistance
Rest assured; help is still available during this time. You can continue to access a range of Deakin support services online:
- Student Central: Student Central Hubs on our campuses will be temporarily closed; however, you can still contact us by phone and online or book a virtual appointment. If you have a question about your enrolment or course, finances or other issues, contact Student Central.
- Deakin Library: Geelong (Waterfront and Waurn Ponds) and Warrnambool libraries are open as of Tuesday 10 August. You can contact the library via Library Chat, email or phone until 11pm. Please consult library website for full details of opening hours. Burwood library remains closed.
- Study Support: Access a range of academic and study support online, including help from Language and Learning Advisers, Writing and Maths Mentors, and Smarthinking.
- IT Help: Access IT Help online or over the phone, Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm, and weekends, 11am–5pm.
- Deakin Medical Centres: Remain open for free and confidential face-to-face or telehealth consultations. By appointment only – book online or by phone. You must always wear a face mask.
- Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS): Students located in Australia can talk to one of our highly skilled social workers and psychologists. Telehealth appointments only – book online or by phone.
- Safer Community: If you feel unsafe or need to report sexual harm or family violence, contact the Safer Community team online, by phone or by email.
- Disability Resource Centre (DRC): The DRC is available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm via phone or email.
- Multifaith Chaplains: Contact your preferred Multifaith Chaplain via phone or email for a confidential chat. Multifaith prayer rooms will be open at Geelong and Warrnambool campuses.
- Financial assistance: If you’re in financial difficulty, visit our Financial Assistance website for more information and to contact a Financial Assistance Officer for personalised support. Financial support during COVID-19 is also available from the Victorian Government.
- DeakinACTIVE Fitness Centres: Will open in Geelong and Warrnambool.
- Learning Centres: Temporarily closed.
Playing your part and staying well
- If you’re concerned you have been at an exposure site, you must visit the Victorian Government exposure site listing and follow the instructions carefully.
- If you feel unwell, it is essential you get tested promptly at a COVID-19 testing site and follow the instructions.
- Information about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is being updated based on this latest outbreak. Find out how to get a vaccination if you’re eligible.
- Information to help you keep doing to stay well and health and wellbeing – the latest updates for Victorians.
- Read the full table of restrictions for Melbourne and Regional Victoria and the Victorian Premier’s announcement.
More information will be provided as soon as possible
- You’ll receive regular communications from the University and your Unit Chairs about the evolving COVID-19 situation and any changes that affect you.
- Check your unit sites via DeakinSync and monitor your student emails for course updates, information and tips.
- Bookmark our FAQs for the latest information about what services are available and how to access them.