Like so many of us here in Australia and around the world, the team at SSE has been heartbroken by the trauma and devastation of the bushfire crises.
As an organisation that operates across the state, we have heard so many stories of unparalleled destruction, distress and loss, as well as expressions of gratitude and praise for the first responders and community organisations on the ground who have saved lives, supported families and sacrificed so much. The team at SSE echoes these thanks and we send our thoughts to anyone affected.
To our current, future and former students in fire-affected areas, you are our immediate priority. If there’s anything we can do to help you access our regional scholarships, attend our units, defer your study or get involved with us, please let us know. Call us or email ask@sse.edu.au to speak to our student team.
We know that many of you are experiencing a range of emotions—including grief, frustration, anger and fear. If you or anyone you know needs help, reach out to one of the many counselling and psychological services available including Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and the Australian Government’s Head to Health.
We have been genuinely inspired by the response of our community to the crisis. Campaigns like Spend with Them and Empty Esky, platforms like It’s My Shout and events like the #AustraliaBurns mini-hacks and pitch nights at Venture Café are all pointing a way forward to recovery.
SSE is working behind the scenes with our education, government, corporate and community partners to support innovative responses to this unprecedented crisis and help people to rebuild their lives and their communities.
If you’re working on a solution, we’d love to collaborate with you to help increase our combined impact to support those in need. Please reach out if you want to get involved or if we can help.
Let’s show what this amazing community can do when we come together.
Yours,
Dr Sarah Jones, Chief Executive Officer and the SSE Team
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Bushfire affected families and businesses can access assistance from local councils, the State Government and Federal Government through the NSW Government’s new Bushfire Customer Care program.
