The Bondi Community Hub is set to change format at the end of this week as the recovery focus moves to the delivery of embedded community supports and resources, following the worst terror attack in Australia's history.
Stood up in the aftermath of the 14 December antisemitic terror attack with the goal of providing immediate support to people impacted by the event, the hub has been an important resource for the initial two months. There have been more than 1,400 visits since it opened in December, with more than 650 applications now lodged with Victims Support Services and over 400 businesses supported.
Now that many people are registered with NSW Government services, a streamlined hub will operate at The Pavillion for the coming months, with the crucial services of Lifeline for mental health support, plus Legal Aid NSW to assist with Victim Support Services applications available.
While the hub has been operating, the NSW Government has been focused on embedding ongoing supports to service the entire community, including dedicated case workers, mental health services, and grants for community organisations.
- A pop-up Medicare Mental Health Centre is now operating in Bondi Junction providing confidential mental health information and services. Medicare Mental Health Centres are free for everyone who walks in the door, with no appointment or referral needed.
- Embedded Community Resilience and Engagement Officers are established within eight organisations including Surf Life Saving NSW, Waverley Council and community organisations to coordinate and deliver tailored long-term support, and ensure community voices continue to be heard.
- The NSW Government's $1 million Jewish Community Response Grants Program has funded 24 organisations to deliver their own programs for the community. These include mental health support and resilience-building initiatives for impacted children and young people, like weekly workshops, a safe drop-in space for community connection, and school-based programs. The grants will also fund Jewish community gatherings and events that promote cultural healing.
- Resilience Support Services will allow organisations to deliver specialised counselling, community outreach and other essential services, both in person and over the phone. Local multicultural services, and youth organisations will be funded to run targeted programs and ensure that every cohort of the community has access to support.
Coordinators General Michele Goldman and Joseph La Posta will continue to lead ongoing engagement with the Bondi community to ensure those affected receive the long-term support they need.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"Our focus continues to be on working in partnership with communities as we grapple with the profound impacts of this horrific attack.
"We are making sure all those impacted by the Bondi Beach attack have coordinated systems of support that are well resourced and designed to operate for as long as they are needed.
"Having support embedded within organisations means we can make sure we are listening to the community's changing needs, and are doing everything we can to make them feel supported, whether it be a month, six months or long term."
Coordinator General Michele Goldman said:
"Community healing remains at the very heart of everything we do, and we're ensuring that the next phase of recovery is well coordinated, and the supports that people rely on are guaranteed over the long-term.
"Embedded resources give our communities a voice - a key part of this job will be active engagement with community leaders and organisations to make sure they are getting the help and support they need."
Coordinator General Joseph La Posta said:
"There have been more than 1,400 visits to the community hub since its doors opened in the days immediately following the Bondi terror attack. Our gratitude to Coogee Intercontinental Hotel and North Bondi RSL, and then to Waverley Council, for providing us safe and accessible spaces at the Bondi Pavillion to provide these critical response services.
"I want to sincerely thank everyone who gave their time and expertise, whether you offered clinical expertise, helped someone to access a grant or other assistance, or were just simply there with someone in need as a caring presence - you've made an enormous impact."
