Bondi recovery hub transitions to embedded community support
The Bondi Community Hub has recorded more than 1400 visits since opening in December; streamlined hub will continue operating
The Bondi Community Hub will change format at the end of this week as the NSW Government moves to embed recovery support services directly within the local community, two months after the December 14 terror attack.
The hub has recorded more than 1400 visits since opening in December, with more than 650 applications lodged with Victims Support Services and over 400 businesses supported.
A streamlined hub will continue operating at the Pavilion for coming months, offering Lifeline mental health support and Legal Aid NSW assistance with Victims Support Services applications.
Among the ongoing measures, a pop-up Medicare Mental Health Centre is now operating in Bondi Junction, offering free confidential mental health services with no appointment or referral required. Community Resilience and Engagement Officers have been embedded within eight organisations including Surf Life Saving NSW, Waverley Council and several community organisations.
The NSW Government’s $1 million Jewish Community Response Grants Program has funded 24 organisations to deliver programs including mental health support, resilience-building workshops, a drop-in space for community connection and school-based programs, as well as Jewish community gatherings focused on cultural healing.
Coordinators General Michele Goldman – who is also CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies – and Joseph La Posta – the CEO of Multicultural NSW – will continue leading community engagement to ensure those affected receive long-term support.
NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said the government was committed to supporting those affected for as long as necessary.
“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,” Saffin said.
Goldman said community healing remained central to the recovery effort.
“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,” she said.
La Posta thanked those who had contributed to the hub’s operation over the past two months.
“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,” he said.
comments