Making Sydney safer for 35,000 overseas students

students is being organised on October 31.

It is sad that 28-year old Yousuf, an international student studying Masters in

Professional Accounting from King’s Own Institute in Sydney CBD lost life being shot twice

in a robbery gone wrong as he struggled with two offenders. The shop had a number of staff

as well as customers when the unfortunate incident happened. In a quick response and hunt

both men have been arrested by the police and charged with murder and robbery while armed

with dangerous weapon.  

While incidents such as Yousuf are daily affair in the Indian subcontinent due to traffic accidents, terrorism and the rest, it is sad that a young life has been lost of someone who wanted to make something of his life in the lucky country. It is equally sad for the bereaved family as Pakistani and Indian community rallies for financial support for the unfortunate student.

Australian government does not want international students to go through such mishaps as

it affects its education industry as well as its reputation abroad.

Education providers are invited to attend the free  Study Work and Play Safely ”“

International Education Sector Safety and Wellbeing Forum, hosted by the City of Sydney

and NSW Trade and Investment, on Thursday 31 October, 10am to 12.30pm, at the

MLC Building in central Sydney.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the free forum would allow people working in the field

to share their ideas for making life safe and enjoyable for the thousands of students

who make our city their temporary home.

“Sydney attracts more than 35,000 international students each year, who make a significant contribution to our economy and our communities,” the Lord Mayor said.

“With excellent education providers, a rich cultural life and an exciting big-city experience,

Sydney is a great place to study.”

“We want visiting students to have a safe and enjoyable experience and make the most of

their time here, and hopefully return in the future for holidays or business.”

Also contributing to the forum is the University of Technology Sydney’s Designing Out

Crime research centre, Council of International Students Australia, NSW Fair Trading

and the Redfern Legal Centre.

The City of Sydney’s international student community is a major contributor to the city’s

prosperity and liveability, generating more than $1.6 billion in economic activity, and demand

for over 10,000 full time jobs each year.

Challenges faced by international students include a lack of opportunities to engage with local communities and culture, language barriers, social isolation and negative perceptions of safety.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said the

forum was an opportunity to share ideas about how to improve the overall experience

for international students across the state.

“The NSW Government wants international students to have the best possible experience

of studying, living, and working in our state and that includes helping them to feel safe

and secure,” Mr Stoner said.

Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the NSW Police Force was aware of the

safety issues of international students.

“NSW Police Force is committed to ensuring our international students are safe and

have an enjoyable time while they’re studying here,” Mr Kaldas said.

“We’ve introduced a number of initiatives with student associations and tertiary institutions.”

The forum will also include presentations by:

• City Economic Strategy Manager Francesca O’Brien;
• City Safe City Project Manager Orla Burke;
• Superintendent Gavin Dengate, who will provide an overview of their strategic
• plan for international students; and
• Leading Senior Constable Janelle Laing, who will speak about the role of NSW Police
• Force Crime Prevention Officers.

Study Work and Play ”“ International Education Sector Safety and

Wellbeing Forum
Thursday 31 October, 10am”“12.30pm
NSW Trade and Investment Centre, Level 47,

MLC Building, 19 Martin Place, Sydney