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In the eye of the storm

18 February 2009

Monash staff member and Churchill CFA Captain Steve Barling is fighting bushfires in Gippsland. Photo courtesy Peter Ward, Herald Sun

Staff at Monash University's Gippsland campus continue to work around the clock to provide accommodation and support to evacuees and firefighters with the campus operating as the main staging area for combating the fires that have killed 21 people and devastated huge areas of the Latrobe Valley.

The CFA and DSE have thanked Monash for its quick response in providing campus facilities and staff to support the effort over three weeks.

The campus is housing and feeding 120 fire crew members, plus other emergency services personnel.

Many Monash staff are also on the frontline, directly fighting the fires.

Among them is the Captain of the Churchill Fire Brigade, Steve Barling, from Monash Student and Administrative Services.

Mr Barling said adrenalin got him through a 20 hour shift on Saturday 7 February when the worst of the fires erupted.

"It's absolutely devastating to see the damage that has been done," Mr Barling said.

"I haven't seen anything like it in my 23 years with the CFA. That we've had 21 deaths and to see all the houses that have burnt down at the Churchill -Glendonald Road fire is very tough."

Gippsland Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett said the campus would continue to provide support through the coming weeks as the needs of local families are assessed and the fire crews continue to work to bring the fires under control.

"Our volunteers are only too willing to help, which shows what a great community spirit there is when it comes to an emergency," Professor Bartlett said.

Professor Bartlett said preparation for the intake of 2009 students had not been affected.

"All students and their families can be assured that the campus and student accommodation have not been under threat by the fires," Professor Bartlett said.

"Orientation Week started on Wednesday 18 February. Residential students will access their accommodation over the coming weekend."