This afternoon – at 4.45pm – La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar and College Director, Tony Cranshaw released a joint statement regarding the murder of 21-year-old La Trobe student Aiia Maasarwe.
La Trobe Universty’s statement is published unaltered:
Victoria Police have this afternoon confirmed that a student enrolled at La Trobe College Australia died in suspicious circumstances at the Polaris shopping centre in Bundoora on Wednesday 16 January.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student’s family and friends.
The entire La Trobe community is shocked and saddened by this appalling crime.
The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is of paramount importance and we are providing every possible support following this tragic incident. We are encouraging all students and staff to use our range of safety and wellbeing services, including counselling.
La Trobe University is committed to providing a safe university environment. On campus we undertake a range of activities to improve personal and physical safety and our security has been intensified as a result of this incident.
The safety of our students and staff is also of critical importance off campus, including on public transport, and we will continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including Public Transport Victoria, to address serious safety issues on public transport.
La Trobe College Australia and La Trobe University are continuing to assist the police with their inquiries.
We are committed to continuing to work closely with all relevant authorities to address these serious community issues around public safety and violence against women.
Professor John Dewar,
Vice-Chancellor
La Trobe University
Tony Cranshaw,
College Director/Principal
La Trobe College Australia
Students who have concerns are encouraged to access safety and wellbeing services. We will keep all students updated with relevant information and advice as and when this is made available.
