Sympathy for those affected by Norwegian tragedy

The University of Queensland has offered its sincere condolences to the Norwegian people for the terrible atrocity that was committed on Friday in Oslo and on the island of Utoya.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger has written to the Norwegian Ambassador on behalf of the University.

He said UQ had emailed all its Norwegian students offering the University's condolences and support.

"The crimes committed against the youth of Norway are particularly horrific," Professor Keniger said.

"Please be assured that we will offer whatever assistance is required by Norwegian students who are studying at The University of Queensland, many of whom I am sure feel personal loss and shock.

"Our thoughts are with you in this time of grief and loss."

Students needing support can contact Student Services on 3365 1704 or come into the Student Service Office on their campus (the St Lucia Student Centre is located in the Social Sciences Annexe (Building 38) in the student union). Norwegian students will be offered priority assistance.

Student Services staff are able to provide guidance and assistance in the areas of disaster recovery support and counselling, or simply an understanding person to talk to.

Students or staff may also wish to contact the Multi Faith Chaplaincy Service, on 3365-6439. The St Lucia Chaplaincy is located in the Social Sciences Annexe (Building 38).

Free counselling is available to staff through UQ's Employee Assistance Program provider, Davidson Trahaire Corpsych (DTC) telephone 1300 360 364.

The University of Queensland’s Multi-Faith Chaplaincy will be holding a memorial service for the victims of the recent terrible events in Norway. This service will take place on Wednesday, August 3 at 11am at the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy – Building 38, St. Lucia Campus.

The Chaplaincy wishes to sincerely thank the Norwegian Church in Sydney and ANSA (the Norwegian Student’s Association) for their input and guidance in this memorial event.

RSVP to Andrea Colledge, Manager, Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Service, The University of Queensland (07) 3365 7059 or 0423 822 219 http://www.uq.edu.au/chaplaincy/

The Association for Norwegian Students Abroad (ANSA) has a Facebook page that provides information and support from your fellow Norwegian students in Australia.

It also lists a range of activities occurring for Fadderuke, including a BBQ held at Kangaroo Park on July 26 at 3pm where a large part of the Norwegian community was present.

The Norwegian Seaman's Church in Sydney is taking calls. Please contact Lena Rebekka Risnes on 0421 356 501 — this number is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Brisbane contact for ANSA is Thomas Dragsnes on thomas@dragsnes.net.

People with concerns for the welfare of family and friends in Norway or other affected regions should first attempt to contact them directly.

If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare the Norwegian Police telephone number for next of kin is 0011 47 815 02 800.

Regular updates about the crisis are available on the Norwegian Government webpage.