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Dear Curtin students,
Welcome back to Curtin for the new semester. I hope the break has given you time to rest, recharge and prepare for the year ahead. As we begin 2026 together, I want to speak to you about something that sits at the heart of who we are as a university: our community.
Curtin is home to people from many cultures, faiths, identities and life experiences. That diversity enriches every part of our learning and living and it brings both great opportunity and great responsibility. In my experience, some of the most meaningful lessons at university will come from beyond your classes. You’ll find them in the people beside you, the conversations you have and the respect you show towards one another.
This year, community will continue to guide how we learn, how we support each other and how we respond to the challenges that touch our lives both on campus and beyond.
Challenges such as the two recent terror attacks at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations on 15 December and at an Invasion Day Rally at Forrest Place in Perth on 26 January, were deeply disturbing for Jewish people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and unsettling for everyone. I know that many Curtin staff and students had personal connections to these acts of terror that have reminded us how fragile our sense of community becomes when we forget that everyone around us is a neighbour.
I want to acknowledge those feelings. I also want to assure you that racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, gender‑based violence or discrimination in any form are unacceptable at Curtin. Every person has the right to feel safe and that they belong. These commitments are not new and they are not symbolic. They are at the core of who we are as a community and shape the expectations we have of one another.
Belonging often comes from small acts of care. Checking in, listening and creating spaces where people feel supported. These simple choices strengthen our community. As we begin this new year together, I encourage you to get involved, meet new people, join clubs and activities and take advantage of the opportunities that make Curtin such a vibrant place to learn and grow. You will meet people here who will influence your life in ways you cannot yet imagine. You will also inspire others in return.
If you ever do see or experience something that doesn’t feel right during your time at Curtin, please get in touch with our Safer Community Team.
University is a precious and exciting time. I hope your introduction to the Curtin community brings you connection, purpose and moments that help shape the future you want to create.
I am delighted you are here and I wish you every success for the year ahead.
Professor Harlene Hayne
Vice‑Chancellor
Support Services
All community members on campus
- Safer Community Team (24/7) 📞Internal: 4444 | External: (08) 9266 4444 ✉ safercommunityteam@curtin.edu.au
Students
- Student Wellbeing Advisory Service 📞 1800 244 043 (free call) ✉ studentwellbeing@curtin.edu.au
- Curtin Psychological and Counselling Service 📞 08 9266 7850 ✉ counselling@curtin.edu.au
- Interfaith support ✉ multifaith@curtin.edu.au
Immediate help:
- Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
- 13YARN – 24/7 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on 13 92 76
- In a life‑threatening situation, dial 000.
