Updates on Armidale Academic Campus Storm Damage

Red Zone/Green Zone strategy

The Armidale Academic Campus has been divided into Red Zone and Green Zone following assessment of building safety and clearing of access points.

Map of Red Zone and Green Zone

Green Zone - Staff, students and visitors can return to buildings in the Green Zone.

Red Zone – This area is completely out of bounds except for EBE staff and professional services. It is not safe to enter buildings in the red zone at this stage.

What if my office is in an impaired building?

1. Staff offices in Education, Milton and Milton annexe buildings (E006, E007 and E008) will be re-located to office facilities available in the Economics, Business and Law buildings (W037, W038, W039, W040, W042) for the foreseeable future. Please work with your Head of School and Faculty Manager for allocation of space.
2. All staff office belongings – including books, files and personal items, excluding items of furniture, will be boxed and tagged commencing in early 2022 and made available either in the relocated offices or made available at a location that will be advised early in the new year subject to the approval of WHS. Personal furniture items will also require assessment and the Faculty Manager will be provided with relevant information.
3. All electronic equipment will be removed and assessed by TDS and delivered to the reallocated offices subject to the approval of WHS.
4. Theatre studies will be utilising A1 as workshop, rehearsal and performance space for the remainder of T3, 2021 and commencing T1 2022.
5. All T3, 2021 and T1,2022 teaching in affected locations will be relocated and announced through timetabling.

Which on-campus facilities and services are operational?

Information on the current operational status of facilities and services such as Sport UNE, Yarm Gwanga Preschool and Early Education Centre and Cafe Life can be found here.

What is the status of parking?

Refer to Red Zone Green Zone maps which are being updated regularly.

I heard Yarm Gwanga are accepting donations at their location at the Wright Centre. What do they need?

The Yarm wish list is below, please deliver any donations directly to the Wright Centre.

Paper – various sizes, shapes, patterns, colours; Collage materials – e.g. sequins, glitter, patty pans, stickers, pipe cleaners; Textas – both fine and thicker/ toddler size; Glue; Paint (washable); Whiteboard markers; Cars and car mat; Outdoor play things – scooters, push cars/ ride-ons, balance bikes, slide; Card games – uno, snap; Board books – for babies and toddlers; Home corner resources – for pretend play cooking; Simple board games – suitable for 4 and 5 year olds; Carpet squares or mats/ rugs.

Do I need to take leave if I cannot perform my work remotely during the emergency recovery period?

For anyone who cannot work remotely, supervisors and staff are encouraged to explore and discuss if alternate work arrangements are available.  In difficult times, the opportunity to lend a hand to others is greatly appreciated.

Staff are entitled to their ordinary pay during emergency recovery period, even if no alternate work is available. Taking leave is also an option for staff who would prefer to take the opportunity for a break, consistent with the University’s overall focus on wellbeing and leave management.

I had no power last Friday and could not work effectively – should I claim this as leave?

The University directed staff to work from home, mindful that these were difficult circumstances for many.  There is no requirement nor expectation for staff to claim any downtime as leave.

What if I need a laptop to work from home?

If you require a laptop, please fill in a request form or have a colleague complete it on your behalf - the Technology and Digital Services (TDS) team will contact you on the phone number you provide to arrange collection from Sport UNE within designated hours.

I cannot work from home - can UNE provide me with an alternative safe space?

If you are struggling to work from home due to storm damage, and have essential and urgent work to carry out, please inform the Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible.

There are limited spaces to work in our colleges and at St Albert's College – we will prioritise those with the most important needs.

My home has been damaged, and I need emergency accommodation

There is some emergency accommodation available to staff and community members whose homes have been badly damaged or lost. Please contact your supervisor in the first instance and they will escalate your request to the relevant unit.

I need to replace damaged university equipment

Staff are asked to refrain from using university credit cards to replace equipment damaged in the storm. Instead, please raise any loss of UNE property with the Chief Financial Officer.

I’ve been severely affected by this event - what should I do?

Staff and supervisors of staff who have been directly or indirectly severely impacted by the storm and/or tornado are invited to register their details and the brief nature of impacts by emailing gmarti10@une.edu.au in People and Culture. This will help us ensure that UNE provides appropriate support.

Please continue to reach out to your peers and colleagues; and remember personal support, counselling and wellbeing resources are available through Benestar: www.benestar.com or 1300 360 364.

• For information on disaster welfare, personal hardship and stress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
• To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au