There may not be many French students at Flinders, but as an international community, we have felt the impact of the attacks in Paris, and also the violence of war and acts of terrorism in Middle Eastern and African countries.

In our own small way, many at Flinders have had to adapt to displacement in 2015 as so much of the university has been demolished for re-building during the year. But unlike the displacement of millions of refugees from war-torn countries, we look forward to new and better facilities becoming available in 2016. Oasis will continue to be a place of solace, support and connection for the many seeking a ‘home’ and ‘family’, away from home and family, and a place of celebration and encouragement of our common humanity.