As part of this major initiative, the University pledges to help stimulate local economies and support bushfire affected communities by holding meetings, events and other business activities at venues in those communities.
“This summer’s devastating bushfires have left many towns and communities reeling. Through this program, La Trobe will bring events and meetings to towns and communities affected by fire,” said La Trobe acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Pike.
“Our intention is that by visiting, staying overnight and spending money in these places, we’ll bring in funds that will help local businesses get back on their feet,” Professor Pike said.
Professor Pike said the initiative was one of the ways the University, whose Albury-Wodonga campus staff have been affected by the bushfires to the east, was helping to support communities impacted by this summer’s blazes.
“Since these catastrophic fires began in the Christmas-New Year period, La Trobe has taken steps to support communities, staff and students. Impacted students can seek dedicated financial assistance to support them to continue their studies, and both staff and students can access counselling and support.
“We’ve made our facilities available to emergency services and have been privileged to provide US firefighters and other emergency workers with a place to stay at our student accommodation in Albury-Wodonga,” Professor Pike said.
Professor Pike said the University was also supportive of staff and student volunteers involved in bushfire recovery.
Media Contact: Kathryn Powley | k.powley@latrobe.edu.au | 9479 3491 | 0456 764 371
