University of Wollongong students who hosted parties in their dorm rooms during lockdown have been expelled from campus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
UOW said several students had been removed from their Campus East accommodation, while 11 infringement notices had been handed out by police.
A university spokesperson downplayed reports suggesting five students were involved, saying that was "slightly overstating the numbers involved".
The spokesperson did however confirm a small number of students had their access to UOW accommodation terminated for breaching NSW Health orders, following two gatherings at a residence.
However, for privacy reasons the university couldn't state exactly how many students that was.
Regardless, in a statement the university stated the students involved put the community at risk.
"The University takes the safety and wellbeing of all students and the community seriously. Breaches of the rules are investigated and warnings, sanctions and exclusions have and will continue to be implemented," UOW stated.
The university also understood that NSW Police had handed out a number of infringement notices in response to the same incidents.
Wollongong Police District commander Superintendent Evan Quarmby commented on the students.
"Police continue to investigate all manner of inquiries that come to us through Crimestoppers, or come to us through other people who are reporting people breaching the public health orders. We investigate matters, we investigate every matter. We follow up on every inquiry," Supt Quarmby said.
"For a lot of matters, those inquiries go over several days, but we certainly make sure we follow up on every lead, on every inquiry, in an evidence-based investigation, and those inquiries are sometimes ongoing."
UOW spokesman added that throughout the pandemic the university monitored the public health advice and adjusts in line with that advice.
"The university has been in regular and direct contact with all students - including those in UOW accommodation - alerting them to any changes in public health orders as they occur, informing them of their responsibilities and what those health orders entail for them."
The University takes the safety and wellbeing of all students and the community seriously.
- UOW spokesperson
A number of COVID-Safe practices and rules have also been introduced to all UOW Accommodation residences during lockdown.
"These include: QR Code check-ins to buildings and common areas; mandatory face masks for students and staff; and limits on the number of people allowed in common areas at the same time.
"No external guests are permitted within residences (except in accordance with NSW 'Single Bubble' rules).....and residences have COVID safe plans and these have been reviewed by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District."
COVID marshals or security staff are rostered to ensure compliance with restrictions.
The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.
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.
