Dear Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff,
I want you to know you are in our hearts and our thoughts, following the Voice Referendum on Saturday. No matter your perspective on the Referendum, I recognise that the last few months of campaigning and heightened media coverage have been challenging.
In recognition that many will be grieving the Referendum’s outcome, we are flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at half-mast at our Bentley and Kalgoorlie campuses. If you need support, we encourage you to contact the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service or Psychological and Counselling Services. The Student Guild website also contains resources relating to support both inside and outside of Curtin.
Under existing policies you are able to request an assessment extension, if needed. Curtin also has a range of support services available: please reach out to your Unit Coordinator or Curtin Connect and we can guide you to the most appropriate area.
I’d like to acknowledge all Curtin staff and students who created opportunities for informed and respectful discussions about the Referendum and those who participate in them. It was my hope that Australians would accept the call to recognise Indigenous people in our Constitution as the First Peoples of this land and establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
We will walk beside you on your path forward for justice and fairness.
Warm Regards
Harlene
Professor Harlene Hayne CZNM
Vice-Chancellor
