The University of Queensland has launched an appeal among its 140,000-strong alumni group, asking them to come to the aid of current students who were affected in the south-east Queensland floods.
Vice-Chancellor Paul Greenfield has requested donations for an Emergency Student Welfare Fund, and has asked for urgent offers of available rental accommodation in Brisbane, Gatton and Ipswich.
Flooding directly affected hundreds of UQ’s Australian and international students, some of whom were left homeless. Many lost possessions and are now in dire financial circumstances.
Professor Greenfield said the idea for the appeal arose after a number of alumni contacted the University to offer best wishes and support.
“Donations will make a difference to students who have suffered serious property or financial loss, or who simply cannot afford rent increases,” he said.
“Offers of student accommodation will help mitigate an anticipated housing shortage.”
These were practical measures aimed at helping students who had lost homes and belongings, with the hope that they could have a smooth start to the academic year.
Professor Greenfield also called on alumni to be advocates for their alma mater, and to help spread the word among their networks that UQ was ready for the 2011 academic year.
“Brisbane, Ipswich and Gatton campuses are recovering rapidly, and most community and public services and utilities are operational,” he said.
“Queensland is experiencing a renaissance of positive community spirit, as people have spontaneously supported each other and displayed deep compassion and generosity.
“This has been key to the speed of recovery seen across affected areas.”
Professor Greenfield asked alumni to reassure their friends and contacts that UQ was making an inspired recovery, and was “moving ahead with confidence”.
He said the University was deeply grateful for the partnership of alumni in responding to an extraordinary episode for many UQ students and staff.
Donations to the Vice-Chancellor’s Emergency Student Welfare Fund are tax deductible and can be made on-line or by phoning +61 7 3365 1331.
To offer accommodation for rental to students in Brisbane, Gatton or Ipswich, phone +61 7 3365 1331.
Professor Greenfield said UQ’s St Lucia and Gatton campuses sustained damage in the extensive flooding that caused unprecedented destruction in Brisbane and many regional and rural areas, but most of the University’s teaching and research buildings were untouched.
“Sporting facilities, some research infrastructure, two childcare centres and International House were significantly damaged,” he said.
“At an operational level, the University is back to business-as-usual for this time of year. A massive clean-up by staff, students, alumni and other volunteers transformed the St Lucia campus within a few days of the flood.
“Thanks to their work, the University re-opened and resumed Summer Semester within a week of the Brisbane River's peak. We welcomed new students and processed applications and admissions, and now we are finalising preparations for the imminent arrival of more than 10,000 new students.”
Media: UQ Communications, Fiona Cameron, ph +61 7 3346 7086, Jan King 0413 601 248
