24 July 2013
Taking a risk with new ideas, what you wear, and the kind of music you listen to is one thing, but when it comes to personal safety the message for all students is to play it safe.
In a new digital film produced by the University of South Australia in collaboration with SA Police, the message for students who are new to the State is to make safe choices and to understand the police are there to help and protect.
The five minute production, Stay Safe in South Australia, was developed to make student safety advice available in the online space all year round.
UniSA Director of Learning and Teaching, Professor Margaret Hicks says international students and students who are new to South Australia benefit from a special presentation from the Police SA during every student orientation.
“We have had great support from Police SA in making sure students get a picture of the support the police can provide but also the part students can play in protecting their own personal safety,” Prof Hicks says.
“Those presentations are full of common sense tips but for students who can’t get to the face to face sessions with SA Police, this new film will be available all the time and is packed with the same sort of advice and useful information.”
Police Commissioner Gary Burns says while Adelaide is one of the safest and friendliest cities in the world, students do need to keep out of harm’s way and also know where to get help when they need it.
“We’ve been delighted to work on this project to deliver the safety message to international students and in some ways to all young students making their way around the city,” Commissioner Burns says.
“It has been great to see such strong cooperation between UniSA and our team at SA Police and I am delighted that the film will make it to YouTube via the University of South Australia and the SA Police News channels.
“The take home messages are pretty simple – remember the police are there to help and protect you, and when you are living in South Australia, just like anywhere else in the world, don’t take silly risks.”
The film offers students sensible advice on safety on the streets, car safety and some road regulations and information on who to contact in an emergency.
Stay Safe in South Australia was produced by Louis Maddiford of LCM Films, stars seven local and international students and four SA Police officers including Sergeant Jane Tan who provides the voiceover as well.
The film can be viewed on YouTube.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: Michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
