Monash Clayton Campus Incident 

Messages of support from alumni and friends 

Our thoughts (a few of us who graduated from the same Masters course) were with the University and the two men killed. We understood very well how it felt to the family and friends and especially to the victims, the feeling of loss to their lives and achievements in such final weeks of their ultimate goals. The thought of such a tragedy happening in a peaceful city and country as Melbourne and Australia is simply unthinkable and it fills us all with such sadness. 

We would like to send our sincerest condolences to the parents, families and friends of these two men. 
Monash University Hong Kong Alumni Association

I'd like to pass on my heartfelt thoughts for all of those touched by this
tragedy.

As a commerce/arts alumni, I well remember my time on the sixth floor of the Menzies, coming to grips with eco stats in my first year of university. 

I hope all those involved realise how many people, no matter how removedfrom the situation, are thinking of them at this sad time.

May the wounds, both physical and mental, heal quickly.
Annika Raffay (BCom 1996, BA 1996)

I am so distressed hearing that violence occurred in our campus in Clayton. I hope this evil doing will not happened again, not only in our campus, but also anywhere in the world.

Allow me at this opportunity to convey my condolences to the victims and their family. Hopefully we can all live in peace together and forever.
Reshanty Tahar (MA 1993)
Indonesia

What can I say but sincerest sympathies to all involved. It seems that in
this world of ours two things are certain, violence can occur anywhere any time and people can conquer adversity by helping each other through these troubled times.
Joe Fleming (MSocWk 2000)

We were pained to hear about the horrific incident that occurred at Monash - our Monash - yesterday, and would like to extend our sincere condolences, not only to the families of those directly affected, but to the whole Monash Uni Community. We are sure that Monash will be able to overcome this incident and grow from strength to strength. It is comforting to note that the Uni Community, including Alumni, is already supporting one another in this time of grief. 

We are thinking of you, and our prayers are with you.
Mufunani Khosa (PhD Educ 1995) and Ester Mpandi-Khosa (MBiotech 1990, PhD Med 1994)  
Zimbabwe

I am sure alumni across Australia and around the region will all be saddened and horrified by what happened on Monday. Our thoughts are with all of the students and staff at one of Melbourne's great educational institutions.

All of my lectures/tutorials were held in the Robert Menzies Building a decade ago, down the other end of the corridor from where the shootings took place. It's horrifying, chilling and ultimately tragic - It's the last thing you would expect as a uni student. 

What a heroic student and lecturer you have in your midst. Our thoughts are with those injured and the families of the two victims - and, yes, also with the family of the gunman. No one should have to suffer such a senseless waste of life.

I trust that the spirit of the place will recover and it will once again be a place of fond memories.
Lorraine Mulholland (BA (Hons) 1994)

On behalf of the staff at the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong and personally as an alumnus of the Economics Faculty at Monash who studied there in the late 1960s, I would like to convey how deeply shocked and saddened we were by news of the tragic shooting at the university earlier this week.

As you will appreciate, we play an important role in attracting students to undertake tertiary study in Australia, with Monash being a significant
destination for students from Hong Kong. It was with particular regret that amongst the victims William Wu, was a citizen of the People's Republic of China and a resident of Hong Kong. We, of course, had dealings with him before he left for Australia. In the case of Steven Chan, we understand he had strong family links in the past with Hong Kong.

Our thoughts go out to the friends and families of the victims and to everyone at the Monash campus in their efforts to come to terms with the tragedy that has occurred. We will be with you in spirit when the memorial service is held on Friday.
David O'Leary (BEc(Hons) 1969)
Australian Consul-General to Hong Kong SAR
Hong Kong

I was shocked with this disturbing news and would like to convey my condolences to the concerned families & The VC, The Dean of Eco-Bus & Professors Max King, Inder, Gordon, McLaren, Fry, postgraduate & undergrad students. 

In educational institutions accidents of such nature do not occurred but the important point is the staff of the dept of Econometrics set up a great bench mark for other academic colleagues. Particularly, me as an ex-graduate student of the dept is greatly impressed with Professor Brett Inder & other staff who showed up in their classes the next morning. 
Dr. M I Bhatti (PhD BusEco 1993) 
Muscat, OMAN

Please know that you are not alone in either your horror or your grief. As a Monash Alumni (1968-72 & 1980-83) who spent many years in the Menzies building as a Geography student I also share the feeling of personal invasion. As a Swinburne staff member I was delighted to learn that some of our counselling staff are now assisting at Monash. Swinburne will hold a parallel memorial service on Friday October 25th, and I will attend wearing my Monash University tie. 

My thoughts, empathy and condolences are with the victims, their families and friends, the Monash community and the broader tertiary education community. We must not let this disaster lessen our resolve to pursue knowledge for the betterment of society. 
Malcolm Mathias (BA(Hons)1972, DipEd 1973)

It's certainty a sad news to me for tragedy happened from a university that I love so much. I hope the campus life can be back to normal a.s.a.p.
Keith Hui (BBus(Mktg) 1998)
Hong Kong 

I was shocked when the local ( Singapore ) and International news service picked this up. Please convey my deepest sympathy to the students and their families whose lives will be forever changed.
Robert Ng (BSc 1976, DipEd 1978, MBA 1990)
Singapore

Please send my deepest regards to all of the Monash community especially those who involved in the tragedy on Monday. Feel very sorry, hope everyone will recover and continue with their life. For those who are going to sit for the coming exam, do your best; we all here will give the fullest support and good luck !!
CK Yong (BCompSc 1999, MBusSys 2001)
Malaysia

It was indeed a very sad event. Couldn't imagine that that could happen to the carefree, peaceful and happy Clayton campus. Yet it had happened. My deepest condolences to all those involved especially the family members of the victims who are no longer with us. 
Soon Siak Neo (BSc 1983, DipEd 1984)
Malaysia

I would appreciate if you will convey our condolences and deepest sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones. We wish all who were injured a speedy recovery and get well soon. And to the Monash community we share with you this sad moment in time and wish all well.
Lilian Poh (BEc 1983) & Tom Chong (BE 1983)
Kuching, Malaysia

I wish to extend my support and best wishes for the staff and students affected by the shooting yesterday. As a Monash graduate I am shocked by the incident that has happened.

One thing that I have always felt while studying at Monash is that it is a safe environment in which to learn. I hope that the environment at Monash doesn't change that aspect as a result of these events. 
Cathy Breakwell (GDipMktg 2002)

Please pass on my deepest sympathy to the families and friends impacted by this tragedy. My thoughts are especially with those that were killed, their relatives and colleagues. It is hard to come to terms with such a heinous act that will undoubtedly stay with the greater Monash community for a very long time. Moreover I dread the thought of such a devastating incident at the university, as I remember it to be a fantastic study environment. People will react to this in different ways. I hope they ask for any support they require.
Jason Battye (BComp 1995)

I would like to pass on my love, support and sympathy to all of those affected by yesterdays shooting attack. May strength be with you in these troubled times our society appears to be in. 
Joanne Allman, (BA 2001)

I was very sorry to hear of the tragic event at Monash. My deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of the deceased, and I hope that the injured soon recover. I would like to commend the brave people who responded so quickly, and no doubt saved other lives. I hope too that in our hearts wecan say a prayer for the person who has caused all this grief. My thoughts are also with students and staff who are no doubt saddened and upset by this tragedy. 
Kingsley McRae (BBus 1988, MBA 1991) 

To all who were touched by this tragedy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Andrew J Tracy (BSc 1992) 

At this time of deep distress and sadness. Yes, our Monash community has been deeply affected, and I personally feel grateful that my many years of part time study have not been marred by any sense of insecurity or senseless act of violence. 

As a community it is up to each of us to support and care for one another, and take whatever steps we can either individually or collectively to assure that there is no repetition of this tragedy, and that our sense of confidence is restored. Perhaps we can begin this task by offering support and comfort to those existing and future students who may find a welcoming hand of ongoing friendship helpful in feeling valued both as an individual, and as a member of the community which has such special significance in each of our lives.
Bill Peeler (BA 2001, GDipA(CivCer) 2001) 

I have been appalled and saddened by the events occurring at Monash, Clayton Campus. My thoughts and sympathy are for those cut down and those injured and all their family, friends, work and student colleagues. My thoughts and sympathy are also for those fellow students and staff who have been both closely involved in the terrible events and those at a distance who must feel their personal safety and space has been violated.

I hope that a sense of security, peace and focus can return as quickly to Monash as possible - while never forgetting that this act of violence has changed many lives forever. 
Lesley Armstrong (BA 1977) 

To all affected, it is with the greatest sadness I heard of this terrible event. Neither the Ming Wing nor Monash will ever be the same again for the thousands of students who studied within its confines for over 30 years without ever having been exposed to violence of this description. However, from what I hear, an even worse outcome was prevented by the heroic actions of the staff and students present; they really are role models for the rest of us.  

Hoping that the families involved and the survivors are able to focus on the best of human kind rather than the worst in order to regain their own sense of purpose and hope for the future.

My thoughts are with the families of those who perished and those who survived. 
Jillian Carroll (BA 1972, BEd 1981) 

Please convey my sympathies to all concerned at the University. Following so soon after the tragic catastrophe at Bali, not to mention the on-going sniping attacks in the U.S.A., I initially wondered whether there was any connection between the three occurrences. Thankfully, it would appear from radio reports, this is not the case.

As a former 'mature age' student, I can well imagine how present-day students at Monash are feeling facing the pressure of year-end examinations, without having to cope with the additional trauma of fatalities on campus. 
Douglas Haye (GDipMktg 1984)

I graduated from Monash 28 years ago. Being a student was one of  the most formative and best experiences of my life. I am shattered with the Monash murders. It's a fundamental betrayal of trust and goodwill that the university offered to me and many other students over the years. My heart is very much with those staff and students who have endured this truly awful event. Regrettably, student life will never be the same again. 
Colin Hay (BA(Hons) 1974)

I graduated from Monash University, Clayton Campus in 1991 & would like to express my deepest sympathy to all those who witnessed & were involved with the tragic incident yesterday. I hope those affected will take advantage of the support services offered as I'm sure they will need it.
Kym Anderson (BSpEd 1991)

To all those who have been affected, please accept my wishes of sympathy and support. It seems impossible that an incident like this can occur at our University, especially in the Ming Wing - a place of nurturing, growth and free will. I sincerely hope that you will find inspiration in the heroic acts of those students and lecturers who so bravely prevented further injury and death; and that you will find strength through our Monash family to move forward. Our University will always be a great place, don't allow the unique events of 21/10 to deny you the life long opportunities that Monash can give.
Jane Sydenham-Clarke (BA(Hons), MA, PhD 1993)

Go to the top of the page