Latest updates on campus incident
4.45pm Friday 22 September 2023
In this week's blog, I reflect on what has been one the toughest weeks for ANU and how it's also brought out the best of our community.
Support is available as always and I encourage you to use it.
Have a peaceful weekend.
Brian
5.30pm Wednesday 20 September 2023
Dear students and staff,
It has been a difficult few days at ANU, and I sincerely hope that everyone is doing okay following the distressing events of Monday afternoon.
I'd like to share a few updates since my last message.
We are continuing to provide support to the families of the two students in hospital and buoyed by their progress to date. I wish them the very best. They are in my thoughts and I'm sure they're in yours too. It is of course important that we as a community respect their privacy at this difficult time.
Please remember that help is available should you need it. Staff and students can access the drop-in wellbeing hub for the rest of the week on Level Four of the Health and Wellbeing Building (Building 156) from 9am-1pm.
We have also set up an incident support website, with links to resources, updates and information on how to access further help or counselling support.
If you're a student, you may be eligible for assessment adjustments - visit the website or the hub to find out more.
This morning I met with the ACT Chief Minister to acknowledge the work of the police and emergency services in responding so quickly to the incident at ANU, outline our response to support our community and voice our concerns that this individual was at large and able to commit these acts.
I am pleased to see the ACT Government has just announced the ACT Chief Psychiatrist will review the circumstances around this incident and that it will convene a working group to address any recommendations for systemic change.
Please look after yourselves and watch out for a Thursday edition of On Campus tomorrow.
Brian
Professor Brian P. Schmidt
Vice-Chancellor, The Australian National University
2.38pm Tuesday 19 September 2023
Dear students and staff,
Yesterday was a challenging day at ANU, and I want once again to express my gratitude to everyone for coming together and supporting each other.
We now know the person who has been charged was involved in a previous incident on our campus in 2017. This is very distressing, especially for those in our community who were here for that incident. Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help if you need it.
We have also learned that a fourth member of our community received minor injuries yesterday. We have been in touch with them, they are well and are being provided with support.
In addition to the support, we always have available, we will open a drop-in wellbeing hub this afternoon and for the rest of the week on Level Four of the Health and Wellbeing Building (Building 156). If you are a student or staff member with a question about the support that's available or navigating things like extensions on assignments, staff will be on-hand to help or connect you with relevant services.
The hub is open until 4pm today and at the following times:
- Tuesday 19 September 12pm-4pm
- Wednesday 20 September 1.30pm-4pm
- Thursday 21 September 9am-1pm
- Friday 22 September 9am-1pm
Please remember the University's 24/7 Student Wellbeing Line is also available if you would like to talk to someone - you can reach them on the ANU Crisis Support Line 1300 050 327 or by texting 0488 884 170.
Staff can also reach out via the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1800 808 374 for support and counselling.
Further information about these support services is available on the ANU website.
Sincerely,
Brian
Professor Brian P. Schmidt
Vice-Chancellor, The Australian National University
8.48am Tuesday 19 September 2023
Dear students and staff,
Yesterday was a very tough day for ANU. Thank you all for supporting each other as our community always does.
We have two students still in hospital and we are actively offering support to their family and friends. I know we all wish them well.
I know a number of members of our community stopped to render assistance to those injured or stepped in to shepherd people away from danger. We will find an appropriate way to acknowledge this in time, but for now I thank those people on behalf of ANU.
I should again acknowledge the prompt action of our security team and police, without which this might have been even worse.
We are aware of the speculation in the media about the identity of the individual taken into custody. Now is not the time for us to add to speculation in a matter that likely to be before the courts, but I acknowledge this will add to some people's distress.
We will circulate details later today about how we are ramping up student and staff support. In the meantime, our students can seek support through the ANU Crisis Support Line at 1300 050 327 or via SMS Text message service at 0488 884 170. And staff should not hesitate to use the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1800 808 374 for support and counselling.
Sincerely,
Brian
Professor Brian P. Schmidt
Vice-Chancellor, The Australian National University
5.30pm Monday 18 September 2023
Dear ANU community,
I want to let you know about an incident that occurred on our campus earlier today.
Let me start by assuring everyone the situation is under control. One person is now in custody in connection with this incident.
Three people were injured and taken to hospital and our thoughts are with their friends and families.
I request you continue to stay away from Fellows Oval and Chifley Meadow as they remain an active scene of investigation.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the swift and efficient response from ACT Policing, ACT Ambulance Service and our own ANU Security team.
I understand this incident may have caused distress among members of our community and I want to remind you that support is available. In times like these, it is essential we support one another and stay connected as a community.
For our staff, please do not hesitate to utilise the Employee Assistance Program by calling 1800 808 374 for support and counselling.
Our students can seek support through the ANU Crisis Support Line at 1300 050 327 or via SMS Text message service at 0488 884 170.
Additionally, any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police are urged to visit the City Police Station, where ACT Policing representatives will be available to assist. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersact.com.au and reference P219341.
Please make sure you download the ANUOK App and enable push notifications to stay informed about important updates and announcements.
You can download the ANUOK App here:
Google Play
App Store
Please also check the contact details we have for you are up to date. You can check this via HORUS for staff and ISIS for students.
Your safety and wellbeing remain our top priority and we will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Brian
Professor Brian Schmidt
Vice-Chancellor, The Australian National University
3.36pm Monday 18 September 2023
There was an incident on the ANU campus this afternoon. An individual is in police custody and there is no threat to the community.
Please continue to stay away from Fellows Oval.
We encourage anyone who has been distressed by this to make use of the following resources.
Staff can access support and counselling through the Employee Assistance program on 1800 808 374.
Students can access support via ANU Crisis Support Line on 1300 050 327 or via SMS Text message service on 0488 884 170.
Updates to follow on ANU channels.
