Student Safety
Student health, safety and wellbeing is a priority at Swinburne for all students.
Swinburne provides numerous facilities and services to support the safety of all our students. Some of these include:
- An After-Hours Assistance line
- Pre-departure information about safety and security
- A comprehensive orientation program, which includes an info session by Victoria Police about keeping safe in Melbourne
- Free confidential counselling and student support services
- 24-hour security at all campuses, including CCTV and a late-night chaperon service to walk you to your car, train station or another destination on campus
- A night bus service at the Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses which can drop you off safely within the local area.
Melbourne is a great place in which to live. Like any other large city, however, it is important that you consider your health, safety and wellbeing at all times.
We’ve compiled a list of emergency contacts, support services and safety tips to ensure you have the best possible experience while you're here in Melbourne.
If you have any further concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our international student advisers.
Keeping safe in Melbourne
Swinburne After-hours assistance line
We are committed to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for our students.
The Swinburne After Hours Assistance line provides after-hours referral support services including medical, safety, environmental, mental health, accommodation, transport or basic student enquiries.
It is open after hours on weekdays from 5.00pm - 9.00am and 24 hours on weekends. The number is 1800 022 168.
The Assistance line is a free call from landlines anywhere in Australia (standard mobile phone rates apply).
If you require advice or assistance during business hours (9.00am - 5.00pm), please contact an International Student Adviser.
Emergency contacts
Police, Ambulance & Fire Brigade - 000
In an emergency you can contact the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance by dialing 000. The operator will ask for your name and address and other details of the emergency situation. This call is free of charge but should be used only in an emergency.
If you feel unsafe or threatened at any time, have anything stolen, or are assaulted, you can contact the Police for help and to report the incident.
If you require non-urgent advice or information or need to report a non-urgent matter, like lost property, you should attend or call the local Police Station. Contact details for your local Police Station can be found at the Victoria Police website.
Swinburne Security - (03) 9214 3333
For all on-campus security emergencies, call Swinburne Security at (03) 9214 3333
- Swinburne Security provides a 24-hour on-campus service. This includes an escort service. Security will walk you to your car, the train station or another destination close to campus. Give them a call, and they will come to where you are.
- The Swinburne Emergency Management website features additional safety information about dealing with dangerous or threatening people:
OSHC Worldcare 24-hour Emergency Helpline - 1800 814 781
OSHC Worldcare has a 24-hour Emergency Helpline that provides medical, legal and interpreting services to students in need.
Victims of Crime Helpline - 1800 819 817
Whatever the incident, being a victim of crime can be a frightening experience with many short and long term consequences. If you are a victim of a crime and would like to speak to someone, please call 1800 819 817 (free call).
International Student Legal Advice Clinic (ISLAC)
ISLAC is a free advice clinic to help you with any legal problems relating to employment, student rights, discrimination, victims of crime, police complaints and more.
Wednesdays 6.00pm–8.00pm. Western Suburbs Legal Service, 30 Hall Street, Newport. (Behind Newport train station; 10 minutes from Footscray station on the Werribee line.)
No appointment required. Phone (03) 9391 2244 for more information.
Swinburne support & advice services
International Student Advisers - (03) 92174 6741 email isa@swin.edu.au
Swinburne is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of all our students, and continue to offer every support we can. For advice and access to other support services, you can contact an International Student Adviser.
Swinburne’s International Student Advisers (ISAs) are dedicated to providing international students with advice on academic and personal needs.
You can talk to an ISA about any concerns you may have. It might be family, academic or personal – and this is a free and confidential service.
ISAs have access to a wide range of external community networks which are beneficial to students. They can also provide you with advice on university policies and procedures.
Student Counselling Service - (03) 9214 8025
This is a free and confidential service available for all Swinburne students on all campuses. Please also encourage others to seek help if necessary. Counsellors are available at each campus.
If you are experiencing a crisis, cannot contact a counsellor, and need help urgently, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or the Suicide Help Line on 1300 651 251.
Consular services
| China | Consulate General of the People's Republic of China | (03) 9822 0604 |
|---|---|---|
| India | India Consulate General of India, Melbourne High Commission of India in Australia, ACT |
(03) 9384 0460 (02) 6273 3999 |
| Indonesia | Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia | (03) 9525 2755 |
| Korea | Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea | (02) 9210 0200 |
| Malaysia | Consulate of Malaysia | (02) 9327 7596 |
| Oman | Consulate-General of the Sultanate of Oman | (03) 9820 4096 |
| Pakistan | Consulate-General of Pakistan | (02) 9222 1806 |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission | (02) 6269 3170 |
| Sri Lanka | Consulate of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka | (03) 9802 0255 |
| Thailand | Royal Thai Consulate-General | (03) 9533 9100 |
| United Arab Emirates | Embassy of the United Arab Emirates | (02) 6286 8802 |
| Vietnam | Consulate-General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam | (02) 9327 2539 |
Safety videos
Safety tips
- Don't openly carry valuables, including iPods, mobile phones, laptops, etc.
- Find suitable and safe routes to petrol stations, shops and your local police station. Try to find routes that are well lit and busy.
- Avoid confrontation - it is better and safer to walk away if you are being provoked.
- If you feel you are being followed, cross the street, and if you are still worried, move as quickly as possible to a public area (such as a restaurant) and then telephone for help.
- At night, walk in pairs in well-lit areas and on busier streets, not dark alleyways and side-streets. Use the Swinburne Night Bus to get to a nearby carpark or public transport.
- Have your keys ready well before you reach the door of your car or house.
- If you are going away, tell someone you trust where you are going and when you will be back.
- If travelling by bus or tram at night, try not to wait alone at the bus or tram stops. Arrange for others to meet you at your home stop if you are returning late and have a long way to walk home.
- If you are travelling by train at night, do not sit in an empty carriage. Try to sit near groups of people in a well-lit area.
- Check the time of the last train, bus or tram home to avoid being stranded at night.
- Avoid walking alone after getting off public transport at night. If you can, walk close to a group of people or arrange for someone to meet you.
