The NSW Government is today delivering a new support package that will ensure continued support for the Jewish and Bondi communities following the Bondi Beach terror attack, including initiatives to build community resilience and create a lasting memorial.
This $8.3 million support package is focused on long-term recovery, wellbeing initiatives, and community safety. The NSW Government is also continuing to provide dedicated support to individuals, businesses and families impacted by the Bondi terror attack.
The boost comes at a critical point for those impacted, six months on from the worst terror attack in Australia's history and at a time of heightened public focus with the recent Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion hearings.
The NSW Government recognises that process of recovering from this horrific attack will take time and we will continue to work to ensure that everyone affected gets the support they need.
The $8.3 million package includes:
- $2 million provided to Waverley Council to support the installation of a permanent memorial to honour the lives lost in the attack and acknowledge the community's response in the days that followed.
- $2 million to support the long-term wellbeing and recovery of those affected via practical local initiatives such as community forums, school-based support and trauma-informed programs and grants.
- $1 million grant to the Jewish Board of Deputies to ensure meaningful, ongoing support services continue to be available to community members. An additional $200,000 will also fund Multicultural NSW to continue delivering community support grants, in partnership with the Jewish Board of Deputies
- $500,000 for the Community Security Group to continue the important community safety work of the 24-Hour Security Operations Centre for the NSW Jewish Community for the next six months
- $2.6 million to the Sydney Jewish Museum for redevelopment works including the creation of additional modern antisemitism exhibitions to build awareness, educate and support broader community cohesion.
This funding builds on the significant support already provided by the Australian and NSW Governments for wellbeing, resilience and recovery initiatives including:
- $2.9 million in financial assistance for victims and families to support immediate health, safety, security and other services via Bondi Beach Recovery payments
- The establishment of a community support hub at the Bondi Pavilion to provide practical advice and support, mental health and wellbeing services with Lifeline, Legal Aid and Jewish Care
- $3.6 million in case coordination support to provide outreach for affected individuals and families via place-based Resilience Support Services. These services will be delivered through Jewish Care, Jewish Family Centre, Jewish House, The Junction Neighbourhood Centre and 54 Reasons Youth Service.
- $1 million in community mental health and wellbeing support delivered by Jewish Board of Deputies and $1 million in crisis intervention services to local communities via Jewish House
- Financial assistance for small businesses that suffered business disruption following the Bondi attack totalling $7.3 million
- $1.8 million to fund Community Resilience and Engagement Coordinators (CRECs) for 7 organisations: Multicultural NSW, Jewish Board of Deputies, Surf Life Saving NSW, Waverley Council, Kesser Torah College, National Council of Jewish Women, and Chabad of Bondi to support community resilience, engagement and capacity building
- $2.0 million to fund a grants program supporting community organisations, delivered through a partnership between Multicultural NSW and the Jewish Board of Deputies.
- $1 million in legal assistance via Legal Aid NSW for ongoing advice relating to compensation, access to government grants, workers compensation, tenancy and document replacement.
Visit the NSW Government webpage for the Bondi Beach attack for more information www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"We said from the moment this attack took place that we would walk with the community every step of the way, we know that the community needs support and we're continuing to provide that.
"The scourge of antisemitism in our community must be eradicated so we're not just investing in community safety support but also in programs that tackle antisemitism."
"Well-resourced and coordinated systems of support will continue to be available over the long-term, alongside new initiatives to build awareness, support the community, and create a fitting memorial.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"We know recovery is a long journey, and our Jewish community deserves every measure of compassion and support as they continue to heal. We stand firmly with them.
"We know the impact of this attack didn't end on that day. The effects are ongoing, and so is our commitment to support the local community. This package ensures individuals, families and local businesses continue to receive the support they deserve.
"Not only will this package be of comfort to people now and over coming months, but it will lay the groundwork for greater social cohesion and long-term prevention into the future."
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"We recognise that there is no timeframe on grief and trauma.
"These resources are about making sure the Jewish and Bondi communities have support that isn't just temporary. As they continue to navigate the aftermath of a horrendous and violentact, we want them to know we are still here with them.
"We are working to ensure the right supports continue to be available to enable healing, strengthen social cohesion, and uplift our communities,"
Mayor of Waverley Will Nemesh said:
"The past six months has presented one of, if not the most significant challenges Waverley has ever faced and the impact of the terror attack continues to be deeply felt.
"Our community is resilient and tight knit, but the recovery from this unspeakable tragedy will understandably take time.
"Council remains steadfastly committed to supporting the Waverley and Jewish communities in every way we can, and the assistance provided by the NSW Government is invaluable in this crucial mission."
Michele Goldman, CEO Jewish Board of Deputies said:
"This support recognises that recovery is not linear and that the impact is felt long after the headlines fade. For the Jewish and broader Bondi community, this funding provides not just practical assistance, but reassurance that we are not facing this alone.
"It will enable us to continue delivering culturally appropriate support, strengthen community resilience, and walk alongside those affected as they navigate their grief and recovery. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership with the NSW Government in standing with our community during this incredibly difficult time."
