Northern Rivers residents are being urged to get behind a push for national recognition of the region’s response to the catastrophic floods of February 28 2022. 

The flood response – and the role played by Southern Cross University – is a finalist in the Community Champion category of the inaugural Universities Australia Shaping Australia Awards. 

It includes an award decided by a panel of eminent figures as well as a People’s Choice component. 

In the People’s Choice, Southern Cross University has been neck-and-neck with worthy initiatives at other universities.  People who want to support the Northern Rivers push can give a ‘heart’ to Southern Cross University at this link: https://www.shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/the-finalists.

In the days following the floods – which displaced thousands of residents – the University’s Lismore campus became a safe haven for families, a hub for the emergency response, and home to essential services such as health, business and banks. Space was made available to schools and NSW TAFE, which continue to operate on-campus to this day. 

(Vice Chancellor and President of SCU at the emergency accommodation building at the Lismore SCU campus on March 9 2022) 

Writing in support of the award nomination, the Living School’s Principal John Stewart said: “Southern Cross University’s commitment to supporting local students affected by the floods demonstrates the University’s dedication to the community’s well-being. 

“As fellow educators, their support in maintaining a stable learning environment for these students is both heartening and vital, particularly given the disruptive impact of the pandemic on school education.” 

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said: “Southern Cross University’s operation, both during and in the time since the historic Northern Rivers floods, is a model for how institutions, government and community can work together in the face of unprecedented and disruptive challenge.  

“The implications for our community and economy had the University not stepped up would have been dreadful. The human impact and cost would be worse; the recovery much slower.” 

To vote for SCU: A safe haven and partner - Northern Rivers click here.