What to do in an emergency
Whether you’re in Australia, in your home country, or studying overseas, we provide support for you if you’re affected by an emergency.
Need emergency assistance?
Emergency Services
If someone is hurt or in immediate danger
Campus Security
If someone is experiencing a serious but not life-threatening incident
Are you an international student?
If you have an urgent personal issue (e.g. accident requiring hospitalisation) or an emergency occurs in your home country while you’re studying in Australia, support and advice is available 24/7 by calling +61 3 9214 6741.
Are you an Australian overseas?
If you’re involved in a disaster or other emergency while overseas, call the 24-hour consular emergency helpline on +61 2 6261 3305 for assistance or visit the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for more information on getting help overseas.
Local emergencies
Melbourne is a city with low crime, and Swinburne campuses are safe places. However, it's important to know what to do if anything goes wrong while you're studying in Australia.
If someone is seriously injured, in need of urgent medical help, or if your (or somebody else’s) life is in danger, call 000 for free from your mobile or at any Swinburne phone.
On-campus emergencies must also be reported to Swinburne security immediately by calling +61 3 9214 3333.
Emergency assembly areas
We have designated emergency assembly areas at all our campuses.
International student advisers
International student advisers are here to help should an emergency occur in your home country. You can call +61 3 9214 6741 to make an appointment on Monday to Friday 9am–5pm or visit the reception on Ground Floor, AMDC106, Hawthorn campus
If you’re directly affected by or concerned about an issue in your home country that impacts you personally or your ability to be successful in your studies, register your details with the International Student Advisory and Support team.
Email isa@swinburne.edu.au with the name of the disaster or event in the subject line (e.g. Paris/Beirut terrorist attacks, Nepal earthquake).
In the email, provide your:
- student ID number
- phone number so that we can contact you as quickly as possible.
Access to a private room with a telephone can be made available to you so you can contact relatives you are concerned about in your home country.
Impacts on your study
If it’s necessary to modify your study plan due to unexpected events:
- Local students should contact studentHQ for next steps
- International students should make an appointment with the International Student Support team via isa@swinburne.edu.au as soon as possible.
Support services
If you need medical help, please call +61 3 9214 8483. In an emergency call 000.
Hawthorn medical clinic
Level 4, George Swinburne Building
34 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn
Monday to Thursday 8.30am–6pm
Friday 8.30am–5pm
Phone: +61 3 9214 8483
Croydon campus nurse
Building CA, Room CA130
12–50 Norton Road, Croydon
Monday to Friday: 9am–2.30pm
Phone: +61 3 9726 1711
Closed until future notice
Wantirna campus nurse
Room WA121
369 Stud Road, Wantirna
Monday to Thursday: 8am–4pm
Friday: 8.30am–12pm
Phone: +61 3 9210 1287
Closed until future notice
At Swinburne, we are committed to supporting our community of students, staff and on-campus visitors. Support services available on campus include:
Student counselling
Our private and confidential counselling service is available to help you through your situation. Register and make an appointment to see a counsellor or call the counselling team on +61 3 9214 8483.
After-hours crisis line
The Swinburne crisis line is available to help you outside business hours (before 9am and after 5pm) on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays. Call 1300 854 144 or text 0488 884 145.
Spiritual care
Learn more about the spiritual care and support available on all campuses.
On-campus support for international students
International student advisers are here to help should an emergency occur in your home country. You can call +61 3 9214 6741 24/7 to report an issue, make an appointment from Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) or visit the International Student Advisory team on Ground Floor, AMDC106, Hawthorn campus.
When you are outside of Swinburne campuses, there are 24/7 support services available if you are experiencing crisis or activity that makes you feel unsafe. For emergencies or if your life is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.
Off-campus support services include:
After-hours crisis line
The Swinburne crisis line is available to help you outside business hours (before 9am and after 5pm) on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays. Call 1300 854 144 or text 0488 884 145.
Off-campus support for international students
International students experiencing an accident, hospitalisation or other urgent issue after hours or when the university is closed can call our assistance line for immediate advice and support on +61 3 9214 6741.
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provide 24/7 phone crisis support which you can call on 13 11 14.
beyondblue
Support, advice and information on dealing with depression and anxiety.
Mind Victoria
Specialist psychological support services to help you gain better mental health and improve the quality of your life.
Mental Health Community Support Services
Support for people with a psychiatric disability, which helps people to live better lives through social connections, housing, education and employment.
Call Swinburne security
Have you encountered an on-campus emergency, suspicious behaviour or personal safety concerns? Contact the Swinburne security team by calling +61 3 9214 3333 from any Swinburne phone.