Due to the hazardous smoke conditions across the ACT and surrounds, intermittent power, and ongoing threat of fire, we have decided to continue to keep the Acton, Mt Stromlo and Kioloa campuses closed to all but essential staff and those staying in residences. We are closed Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 January. Please don’t come onto campus.
There is no immediate threat to the campus and this is a precautionary measure to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. We understand this is disruptive and apologise for the inconvenience. We are dealing with unprecedented conditions so are taking an appropriately cautious approach to manage safety across our more than 200 buildings on our 145-hectare campus.
Our students and visitors currently living on campus are safe and we are proactively monitoring the residences.
We are working to re-open the campus on Wednesday 8 January and will issue advice at 11am tomorrow via email, the web and social media.
Given the operational challenges from smoke, electricity and threat of fire, we are seeking to minimise the number of people on campus, so we are encouraging our staff to work from home.
If you are essential staff, you will be contacted by a relevant University officer. To assist in the maintenance of ACT and NSW power supply, we have switched off all non-essential power.
You will be paid as per usual arrangements, and the closure does not affect your planned leave.
Staff who are volunteering with the RFS will have access to extra leave, with ANU matching the Australian Government’s 20 extra days of paid leave.
For staff directly affected by the fires, if you are unable to return to Canberra, or require extra support, the University will provide access to ex-gratia leave.
In both these scenarios, please contact HR Division for assistance at [email protected]
This is the toughest of summers. We are all feeling the physical and mental health effects of the fires, smoke and heat. It is important we all care for one another and each other and draw together as a supportive community. Please don’t be afraid to seek support.
ANU provides all staff with access to support and counselling through the Employee Assistance program which can be reached on 1800 808 374.
Students can access support via ANU Crisis Support Line on 1300 050 327 or via SMS Text message service on
