Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre opens

A significant step forward in accessible community mental health support was taken late last month when the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre officially opened.

There was a ribbon cutting, and Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel, alongside Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, affixed a mezuzah to the centre’s doorway, to symbolise that the community is always welcome.

Delivered by service provider New Horizons, and commissioned by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN), the centre provides free, walk-in mental health support for adults aged 18 and over – no appointments or referrals are required.

It is located at 241 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, just a short walk from the train station, and it is open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.

It provides immediate support for adults experiencing distress or mental health challenges, for their carers and family members, and help connecting people with other services across health, mental health, housing and employment.

Jewish House has partnered with New Horizons to ensure the centre offers culturally safe care for members of the Jewish community – particularly those affected by antisemitism and the December 14 Bondi Chanukah terror attack.

The centre includes a dedicated space where people can sit and chat with Rabbi Danny Yaffe, peer support worker Rabbi Yanky Super, or a Jewish psychologist.

It also has a Jewish library resource, and offers kosher snacks.

“Reaching out for mental health support is a very vulnerable place to be in, and that’s exactly why it matters so much that people feel safe and welcomed the moment they walk in,” Rabbi Kastel said.

Meanwhile, as part of a continuing partnership between Jewish House and Ray White Double Bay, staff from the real estate agency volunteered recently to assemble 200 crisis relief toiletry packs for Jewish House for distribution to people in need.

A giant cheque representing a $50,000 donation from Ray White Double Bay was also presented to Jewish House, by principals Elliott Placks, Michael Krimotat and Ashley Bierman.

Placks said, “Every day we are faced with challenges – whether professionally or personally – but days like this put things into perspective.

“They remind us of what really matters: community, connection and having people around you who are there to offer support and compassion.”

For more information about the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre, or to access the service, visit newhorizons.org.au/bondi or call 1800 595 212.