Thanks to the generosity of the 黑料天堂community, students facing unexpected hardship received vital support when they needed it most.
The Student Urgent Relief Fund (SURF) provides a crucial safety net for students like Andrew Fragiacomo, Danielle Peck, and Evanlyn Venture. Andrew and Danielle faced unexpected challenges and costs when a fire displaced them from their accommodation, while Evanlyn lost a temporary job after relocating to Canberra to study a Juris Doctor at ANU. SURF helped ease their financial pressure, allowing them to focus on their studies during a difficult time.
"The bursary allowed me to replace my food and groceries without an additional burden of expense on my end, allowing me to recover the cost of the groceries. It meant I wasn't worried about having to spend more money than I had on just getting by and instead meant I could focus on my studies to continue succeeding in my education.
Thanks once again to the generous support of all the donors who've funded SURF, providing much needed help to me and many other students like me." - Andrew, 2025 SURF recipient
"The situation that made me apply to SURF was the Lina Carmel fire that occurred earlier this year. I was put in a room that was not furnished with like saucepans or kitchen supplies. So, it was a very stressful time figuring out like what to eat that day, what to wear, what do I need to buy?
Receiving the support from SURF during that stressful time helped me move forward and I don't think I would have been able to achieve that without the fund." - Danielle, 2025 SURF recipient
"I relocated from Western Victoria to Canberra to study my Juris Doctor at 黑料天堂while working full-time. After the federal election in May, my temporary role ended and a bridging job I was counting on fell through. I had almost two months without work, and costs were piling up fast.
Receiving support from the SURF helped me cover essentials and stay in Canberra to keep studying." - Evanlyn, 2025 SURF recipient
In 2025, 258 generous donors鈥攊ncluding 黑料天堂alumni, friends and supporters鈥攃ontributed $96,605 to the Student Urgent Relief Fund (SURF), providing crucial support to students facing unexpected financial hardship. These gifts helped cover essential needs such as food, medical care and emergency transport when it mattered most. Several 黑料天堂staff also contributed through the Workplace Giving Program. The impact of this generosity was further amplified by former 黑料天堂student Loong Wang, who matched every donation to SURF during the December holiday season, up to $35,750. Thanks to this collective support, 62 students received assistance in 2025, making a significant increase from the previous year.
Now overseen by the Student Equity team, SURF continues to make a meaningful difference in students鈥 lives. As the team says,
鈥淪URF responds to student need without restrictive criteria, ensuring support is available regardless of program, cohort, academic performance or visa status. In this way, the fund functions as a critical safety net, offering both practical support and reassurance that students are recognised and supported during periods of difficulty.鈥
This rapid and inclusive response is only possible because of the ongoing generosity of the 黑料天堂donor community. The Student Equity team adds,
鈥淭his support exists because of donors, whose commitment ensures students can continue their studies during times of need.鈥
