Luhrmanns lend hand for Queensland students

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed a partnership with film legend Baz Luhrmann’s daughter Lilly to help international students impacted by COVID-19.

The State Government will provide $10 million to support more than 20,000 who are in Queensland separated from family and their home countries.

It is also supporting a campaign, The Study Queensland Luhrmann Appeal, launched by Lilly, to further support the students.

The Premier said families of international students can be re-assured the students are being cared for.

“These are mostly young people far from home and unable to get home because of the pandemic,” the Premier said.

“I want their parents to know their children are being looked after the same as we would want our children looked after if they were in another country.”

The Luhrmann Appeal will be run in partnership with Study Queensland, the state’s lead international education unit, charity “warehouse” GIVIT and the Queensland Government Care Army.

Lilly Luhrmann is appealing for people to donate to the Luhrmann Appeal to assist struggling students.

“We are calling on Queenslanders to dig deep to support our international students with financial assistance, laptops, meal vouchers or internet data packages,” Ms Luhrmann said.

“I have been following the plight of international students and have been in touch with the team at Study Queensland to see how I can help.

“I want to do what I can to help them during this difficult time.”

Baz Luhrmann said he was proud of Lilly’s passion to help others.

“This is Lilly’s baby – I’m just the proud dad,” he said.

“It’s also that Queensland thing – where everyone helps everyone – that is so good to be part of.”

State Development Minister Kate Jones said families could rest easier knowing international students were part of the family.

“When they choose Queensland they get more than just the best universities in the world,” the Minister said.

“They get our lifestyle and our people and they are easily the best in the world. 

“Care Army Volunteers will be called upon to support the appeal, and in doing so will also establish connections to ensure mental wellbeing and ongoing support for our international student community.”

The Luhrmanns encouraged anyone who wished to donate goods or money to contact

https://givit.worldsecuresystems.com/donate-funds

ENDS

Media contact – Shane Doherty 0439 624 473