Support package announced in wake of Bondi attacks

Today, the Albanese and Minns Governments have announced an immediate support package to assist victims, their families, and small businesses impacted by the Bondi terror attack.

The package has been jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, with most elements to be funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which have been activated in the wake of this attack.

The package delivers immediate financial assistance, expanded victim support services and targeted business help, recognising the profound emotional, social and economic toll of the attack.

A community hub will be open at North Bondi RSL, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid and Lifeline on hand to provide practical advice and support.

The hub will operate from tomorrow, Friday 19 December to Tuesday 23 December, between 10am and 4pm.

The package includes:

Victims and family support

• $2 million for Jewish community organisations to support victims' families, including $1 million for Jewish House to establish a Victim Support Fund to deliver timely, culturally sensitive assistance to the Jewish Community.
• $1 million for Legal Aid and Disaster Response Legal Services to provide legal services to support the recovery of communities.
• Enhancements to NSW's existing victim support scheme, including increased financial support for injured victims and their immediate families, funeral and burial costs for victims and support for the repatriation of remains.
• $1 million for local Jewish organisations to provide community mental health triage.
• $3.6 million for six place-based recovery officers to undertake case coordination and outreach for affected individuals and families.

Business and community support

• Up to $25,000 for impacted small businesses in the immediate vicinity and those who show exceptional circumstances. Registrations commence on Friday, December 19, with grants processed by early next week.
• $1.5 million for additional security at Jewish community locations.
• $1 million for Waverley Council to assist with clean-up requirements at Bondi Beach, and for community cohesion events.
• $2.8 million to provide up to eight coordinators to undertake community engagement, support the local community and provide capacity building. The funding includes $1 million for a grant program delivered through a partnership between Multicultural NSW and the Jewish Board of Deputies to support community organisations.

Impacted businesses will be able to register for support from Friday, with applications processed from early next week. They can do this by attending the Community Hub or contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 to organise a meeting with a Business Concierge member.

Mental health support

A mental health disaster response has been initiated, with mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee.

These mobile clinicians will be onsite wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests from 8am to 8pm for the next several weeks

NSW Health has also increased staff coverage on its dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Line, on 1800 011 511.

The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you, or someone in your care, needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au(link is external).

The Australian and NSW Government will continue working closely with the community to ensure support remains responsive and sustained.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

"The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi has shaken the Jewish community, and indeed the whole nation who have been devastated by what is an unprecedented attack on the Australian way of life.

"This event is a tragedy and the Bondi community, Sydney, and Australia, is hurting. My government is committed to supporting those in the wake of this tragedy which is why we are partnering with the New South Wales Government to provide over $20 million in funding for support services through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

"My Government unequivocally stands against terrorism and will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of this community and all Australians."

Quotes attributable to Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns

"This attack has caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state."

"Our responsibility is to stand alongside people in their grief, provide real support, and help the community recover, not just in the days ahead, but for as long as it takes."

"This package is about dignity, compassion and practical help, ensuring families are supported, businesses can recover, and people know they are not facing this alone."

"I urge anyone who is struggling or needs help to reach out. Support is available, and we want people to use it."

Quotes attributable to NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey

"Sydney's Jewish community, and everyone else who loves Bondi Beach, have refused to be cowed by Sunday's evil attack.

"This assistance package is recognition that our community is at its strongest when it pulls together - and that when it does so, terror can never prevail.

"We will make every effort to ensure that one of Australia's best loved landmarks remains a place of joy, celebration and freedom for all."