The University of Wollongong has temporarily closed another campus as it ramps up its support for the community in the face of the bushfire emergency.
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As fires ravaged NSW South Coast towns and vilages, people displaced by the bushfires took refuge in the university's Batemans Bay and Bega campuses.
Over the weekend about 200 sheltered in the Batemans Bay campus, including many elderly and mobility impaired people, as well as families.
At the Bega campus, 33 people and five pets sheltered from the fires.
Arrangements are being made to make these facilities as comfortable and well-equipped as possible under the circumstances until the crisis subsides.
Some staff at these campuses have worked tirelessly to serve their communities despite their own homes being under threat or lost in the blazes.
In Nowra, the university's Shoalhaven Campus remains among the many homes, businesses, community facilities and infrastructure under threat from approaching fires.
"On behalf of everyone at the University of Wollongong, I offer condolences and sincere sympathy to the students, staff, residents and visitors who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses or property during these devastating fires," UOW Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings said.
"I also thank all those serving with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other emergency services and supporting organisations for your courage and selfless dedication during this time.
"Thank you also to the more than 100 UOW staff who have already committed to support the University's Bushfire Appeal through our UOW Cares Workplace Giving Program.
"All donations made by staff via payroll deduction to the NSW Rural Fire Service will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the university."
With a renewed state of emergency declared for seven days from January 3, normal operations at the Bega, Batemans Bay and Shoalhaven Campuses will be suspended until at least Monday, January 13.
The Southern Highlands campus in Kirkham Street, Moss Vale will also be closed until January 13.
"As some staff and students have endured losses and cannot safely reach their campus, this temporary suspension of operations will allow for the immediate danger to pass and time for the community to adjust," Prof Wellings said.
"A re-assessment of the bushfire threat will be made throughout next week to determine if any further postponement of normal operations is required."
Arrangements are being made to assist students and staff impacted by the bushfires.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
