Supporting students and staff following the Bondi attack
We acknowledge the tragedy and heartbreak that recently unfolded in Sydney.
We are deeply saddened and shocked by Sunday’s attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. This senseless violence against the Jewish community undermines the values of safety, inclusion, and respect that we uphold here at Deakin. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those injured and affected.
Professor Matthew Clarke
Acting Vice-Chancellor
We are committed to supporting all students and staff through this difficult time.
At Deakin, we trust in our shared commitment to value our diversity, embrace difference and nurture a connected, safe and respectful community.
If you are impacted and need support or assistance, we encourage you to access the services and resources available to you at Deakin.
Where to get support
Australian Campuses
If you’re located in Australia, you can access the following services:
Health and wellbeing support
During such a difficult time, it’s vital that you look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Deakin Medical Centre – Accessible and confidential medical services for students, provided by qualified and experienced medical doctors and nurses. For international students, consultations are free with your Overseas Health Cover (OSHC).
- Counselling and Psychological Support – Free and confidential support from qualified counsellors and social workers.
- Disability support – If you have a disability, health or mental health condition that affects your study or participation in university life, the Disability Resource Centre can help with information and services.
- Multifaith chaplains – Access a range of spiritual wellbeing services, including on-campus prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains for people of all faiths.
- After-Hours Mental Health Support Line – This service offers students immediate relief and emotional support between 5pm–9am weekdays, and 24hrs across weekends, public holidays and University shutdown.
- Call 1300 239 002
- Text 0485 829 309
Safer Community
- Safer Community is a free, confidential support service for those who experience concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour.
- Call the Safer Community team on 9244 3734. They are available Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. You can also email safercommunity@deakin.edu.au.
Student Central
Student Central can give you tailored advice, referrals and support. Ask about your course requirements and other enrolment needs, including course and unit advice, full-time and part-time study options, and intermission and visa compliance advice.
Academic and study support
We want to help all students achieve their study outcomes and goals. A range of help is available through our Study Support resources and programs.
If you need more time to complete any assessment tasks or are worried about your upcoming end-of-unit assessments, the first step is to contact your relevant Unit Chair, who can discuss assessment extensions or special consideration options.
Support for international students
If you need additional help, Student Central can assess your situation and refer you to an International Student Support Officer to connect you with other key services at Deakin or in the community.
International student wellbeing
Living away from friends, family, and everything that’s familiar isn’t always easy. But it’s important that you don’t neglect your health and wellbeing. For more information about supports available visit the International student wellbeing website.
Financial support
A range of financial assistance options are available. You can also contact a Financial Assistance Officer through Student Central to discuss your circumstances.
DUSA support
Deakin’s student union can help you in a range of ways, including through student advocacy and legal services.
GIFT City Campus
GIFT City Campus students have access to the following services:
Student Central
Student Central can give you tailored advice, referrals and support. Ask about your course requirements and other enrolment needs, including course and unit advice, full-time and part-time study options, and intermission and visa compliance advice.
Health and wellbeing support
During such a difficult time, it’s vital that you look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Emotional support via counselling – Free and confidential service is available to all Deakin GIFT City Campus students, 24/7 (seven days per week, 24 hours a day), in English and local languages, through phone, video chat, or in-person support. It also connects students with local resources to support their emotional, practical, and physical wellbeing.
- Medical Services – If you need to make an appointment with a medical professional, please contact your existing health care provider or one of the local health services listed below. Some services may charge a fee, so please check before you decide which services to access.
- Disability support – If you have a disability, health or mental health condition that affects your study or participation in university life, the Disability Resource Centre can help with information and services.
- Multifaith chaplains – For your spiritual wellbeing, we have an onsite meditation room located at GC1.213 where you can go for reflection, meditation or simply some quiet time.
- Emergency and crisis information – If you have immediate concerns for a person’s safety and/or if they have harmed themselves in any way, call emergency services immediately on 112 or 108. If you are on the GIFT City Campus, you should then also call building security services DevX on +91 91570 08407.
Academic and study support
We want to help all students achieve their study outcomes and goals. A range of help is available through our Study Support resources and programs.
If you need more time to complete any assessment tasks or are worried about your upcoming end-of-unit assessments, the first step is to contact your relevant Unit Chair, who can discuss assessment extensions or special consideration options.
DUSA support
Deakin’s student union can help you in a range of ways, including through student advocacy and legal services.
University shutdown periods
Our campuses in Australia will be closed from Wednesday, 23 December 2025, and we’ll reopen for 2025 on Monday, 5 January 2026. See all onshore University opening dates and public holidays online.
***Please note that the GIFT City Campus will remain open during this time, but will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, 2025. See all GIFT City University opening dates.