We hope you are keeping safe and well during this lockdown week.
As you know, following another confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community, Perth and Peel entered a four-day lockdown at 12.01am on Tuesday, June 29. Subject to further advice from the Government, the lockdown is scheduled to finish at 12.01am this Saturday, July 3.
As an international student, we empathise with your unique situation in not only being far away from your family and loved ones, but the obstacles and struggles you may be facing due to the lockdown.
If you are currently required to self-isolate or care for someone, please let us know by emailing studentsupport@murdoch.edu.au. We can then provide customised support suited to your individual needs.
Even if you are not required to self-isolate or care for someone, there are a range of support services available for you to utilise during this period.
Support and advice
During lockdown, you can continue to seek support through the usual University support and advice channels, with a range of services being offered online.
The Student Support Team is available for advice and guidance on a range of course-related and personal issues. Please email studentsupport@murdoch.edu.au.
Should you require any medical assistance, the Medical Centre is open for either telehealth appointments or face-to-face appointments (where it’s appropriate to do so). Screening measures are in place and our staff are all trained in infection control.
Murdoch's Counselling Service remains open, with all appointments being provided through Zoom (online) or telephone calls. Call 9360 1227 or visit our website for appointments.
Support for students with disability, health conditions (including mental health) or primary carers is also available. The Access and Inclusion team offers phone and video appointments. Please call +61 8 9360 6084 or email access@murdoch.edu.au.
Pandemic Financial Support Payments
The Australian Government has recently announced pandemic financial support payments. International students who are studying and working in Australia may be able to access financial assistance. You may be eligible if you are:
• required to self-isolate or are caring for someone with COVID-19 (Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) or;
• adversely affected by a state public health order and are required to be in lockdown for more than seven days (COVID-19 Disaster Payment).
For more information on the financial support payments, including eligibility criteria, refer to the Services Australia webpage. If you need assistance in navigating the application process, contact studentsupport@murdoch.edu.au for assistance.
Should you not fall in one of the above categories, but still require financial assistance, the Murdoch Guild Student Assist Team may be able to help. Contact them them at studentassist@murdochguild.com.au.
COVID-19 Coronavirus: Lockdown information in other languages
If you are struggling to understand the lockdown advice being provided to you, the WA Government offers translated lockdown resources. These resources are being uploaded as the translations are completed and you can find them in PDF format on the WA Government website.
The Murdoch community has always been strong and resilient. One way we have achieved this is through communication. Please stay up to date on developments via official university communications posted on the student portal, our social media channels and your email so you are across any updates as soon as they are announced. If you require any further assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Student Support Team through studentsupport@murdoch.edu.au.
Urgent situations and personal safety
In any situation where you or someone else’s safety is at imminent risk, please call 000. If you need immediate personal support during this time, after-hours and 24-hour crisis services are available.
For urgent welfare assistance, the Guild Student Assist Team are available over email through studentassist@murdochguild.com.au.
We understand that being isolated can make people feel more unsafe, and can particularly increase risk in unhealthy relationships. Here are some steps you can follow to keep safe:
• If you feel safe to do so, you can call the Counselling Service on +61 8 9360 1227 during business hours and request an urgent appointment. Once the counsellor understands your circumstances, they can link you to specialist staff within the University who can help you develop and implement a plan to increase your personal safety and help you leave the situation if needed.
• If you are unable to contact the Counselling Service during business hours, please call 1800Respect on 1800 73 732 or use their online chat service.
We hope this information provides some clarity and assistance during this difficult time.
Yours sincerely,
Kelly Smith
Pro Vice Chancellor – International
