Swinburne Sarawak launches Safer Community Programme

KUCHING: In order to care more for the wellbeing of its students and staff, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus recently launched a programme under a framework that would pay attention to safety and health issues.

The ‘ Safer Community Programme’ was unveiled by Swinburne Sarawak deputy vicechancellor and chief executive Prof Anthony Cahalan.

Under this programme is the Behavioural Risk Assessment and Management, which would serve as the centre of enquiry for the university community to seek information, advice, and support in managing any inappropriate or threatening behaviour that can compromise the safety of an individual or that of others.

It aims to minimise any risk that any student might take that can harm either themselves or others; taking pre- emptive measures to prevent undesired incidents rather than responding to them; provide assessment, management and early intervention of any potential threat to the safety and wellbeing of the campus community; and facilitate prompt and open communication across the university.

Also will be in place is a framework that manages complaints, reviews, appeal and misconduct. Committed to providing a positive educational experience, it welcomes feedback in order to improve the quality of teaching, administrative and support services.

The ‘ Safer Community Programme’ encourages the university community to play an active role in safety and health issues. It offers an avenue for all to voice out their concerns over their safety and wellbeing as well as those of their peers. It provides personalise support and referrals for victims of crime, violence, sexual assault, harassment, or bullying.

As part of the programme, a series of campaigns and activities including those on self- defence, mental health, and cyberbullying will be organised in collaboration with Swinburne’s Occupational Safety and Health Team.

All activities will be aligned with those of the home campus in Melbourne, Australia.

At the launch of the programme, whistles to be used to call for help, were given out to both staffers and students of the campus where they also symbolically pledged their support to the programme by marking a painting of the Tree of Life with their thump prints.