The NSW Government has announced a new $8.3 million support package for the Jewish and Bondi communities in the wake of last December’s Bondi Beach terror attack, including $2 million for Waverley Council to create a lasting memorial.
The Government says the support package is focused on long-term recovery, wellbeing initiatives, and community safety.
The 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.
Waverley Mayor, 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,” said the Mayor.
“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.”
“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,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“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.”
Jewish Board of Deputies CEO, Michele Goldman said the new support package 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,” she said.
“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.”
The funding builds on 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.
