Southern Cross University closes campuses, evacuation centres open in Lismore

All on-campus events for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday have been cancelled, including the Orientation Week tours and the Education Student Meet and Greet. Details for online orientation events for commencing students can be found at www.scu.edu.au/orientation

Students and staff are urged to monitor their university email accounts for further formal updates. At this stage, 2022 classes are still due to commence next week.

An evacuation centre, run by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, is open at the Lismore campus adjacent to the Health Clinic, and a second evacuation centre has now been opened at the Goonellabah Sport and Aquatic Centre.

Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said more than 500 people were sheltering at the Lismore campus Evacuation Centre, with people now being directed to the Goonellabah Centre.

“Right now, we’re doing what we can to put a roof over people’s heads during this incredibly difficult time where people are being displaced right across the region. Then in the coming days we will support the community in and through the recovery phase,” Professor Carlin said.

The evacuation centre at Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre (GSAC) is located at 1 Wallerawang Dr, Goonellabah NSW. Evacuees should bring ID and a change of clothes if possible. There is no medical support on site.

Support services such as counselling are available to all students affected by the flooding. Current students who have suffered a financial impact can access support by emailing scuassist@scu.edu.au

Emergency contacts:

For flood rescues and storm damage, call the SES 132 500

For a life-threatening emergency, call 000

Assistance for currently-enrolled students at Southern Cross University

Students requiring emotional support can access counselling through Southern Cross University.

Phone: (02) 66269300 (Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Gold Coast)

Email: counselling@scu.edu.au

Current student ID number required.

After-Hours Crisis Counselling Support Service

Phone: 1300 782 676

Text: 0488 884 143

Evacuation orders are in place. Keep updated here:

Lismore Council Flood Incidents dashboard

Please visit the https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ for current evacuation orders in the Northern Rivers region.

Campus contacts

• Emergency contacts - emergency wardens, first aid officers, safety support officers
• First aid