Governments announce $20 million support package

The federal and NSW governments have announced a $20 million support package to assist victims, their families and small businesses impacted by the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The package, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments, will be delivered under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which have been activated in the wake of Sunday’s attack.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was committed to supporting those affected by the tragedy.

“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,” Albanese said.

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

NSW premier Chris Minns said the attack had caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community.

“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,” Minns said.

“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.”

The package includes $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.

Enhancements to NSW’s existing victim support scheme will include increased financial support for injured victims and their immediate families, funeral and burial costs for victims and support for the repatriation of remains.

One million dollars will be provided for local Jewish organisations to provide community mental health triage, while $3.6 million will fund six place-based recovery officers to undertake case coordination and outreach for affected individuals and families.

Impacted small businesses in the immediate vicinity will receive up to $25,000 in grants. Registrations commence on Friday, with grants processed by early next week.

The package also includes $1.5 million for additional security at Jewish community locations and $1 million for Waverley Council to assist with clean-up requirements at Bondi Beach and for community cohesion events.

A further $2.8 million will provide up to eight coordinators to undertake community engagement and support the local community, including $1 million for a grant program delivered through a partnership between Multicultural NSW and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.

A community hub will open at North Bondi RSL from Friday to Tuesday, December 23, operating between 10am and 4pm. The hub will include the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid and Lifeline to provide practical advice and support.

Impacted businesses can register for support from Friday by attending the community hub or contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88.

A mental health disaster response has been initiated, with mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee. Mobile clinicians will be onsite wearing high-visibility NSW Health vests from 8am to 8pm for the next several weeks.

NSW Health has increased staff coverage on its dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. The Transcultural Mental Health Line is available on 1800 648 911 for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the Jewish community and everyone who loves Bondi Beach had refused to be cowed by the 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,” Mookhey said.

“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.”