Waverley Council will tomorrow consider a review of options for the future of a pedestrian bridge used by the two shooters during the Bondi Beach terror attack on 14 December.
An Extraordinary Council Meeting called by Mayor, Will Nemesh, will hear a Mayoral Minute detailing various proposed measures to memorialise the victims, survivors and all those impacted by the tragedy.
“There are a variety of views in the community about what should happen to the bridge and while I understand the sense of urgency among some in the community, this is not a decision we can rush,” Mayor Nemesh said.
The northern pedestrian bridge crossing Park Drive in Bondi Park was the primary location of the attack and is one of two elevated passageways, with the second at the southern end of the park.
In 2024, Council commissioned a report titled Bondi Park Bridges and Barrier – Structural Recommendations and it concluded that the two bridges – both heritage listed – are nearing the end of their useful life.
“The recommendation was that both bridges be replaced within the next several years,” Mayor Nemesh said.
“This Mayoral Minute I have proposed notes that the replacement of the northern pedestrian bridge could form part of future discussions about a permanent memorial.”
The Mayoral Minute requests that Council Officers prepare a report for Council to examine the cost, timetable and required approvals for either the replacement or restoration of the bridges, he added.
“This does not propose a determination either way about the future of the bridges – just that further assessments are needed. We will then consult with the community about a way forward.”
In the month since the attack at the Chanukah by the Sea event, in which 15 people lost their lives, there has been significant community discussion about how best to memorialise victims, survivors and those impacted.
On the matter of a permanent memorial, the Mayoral Minute notes that considerable consultation must be undertaken with the families of victims, the Waverley community and the Jewish community.
“These conversations would be led by the NSW Government and supported by Council,” Mayor Nemesh said.
“There are many beautiful ideas being shared, but taking our time to hear everyone’s views, especially those of grieving families, is the right thing to do. We should not rush this important process. We want to get it right.”
While a decision about a permanent memorial will take time, in the interim, a Chanukiah has been placed in the park at Bondi near the site of the attack, providing a temporary space for the community to mourn, reflect and pray.
“This beautiful sculpture was designed by artist Joel Adler and is a contemporary interpretation of a Chanukiah, with its ‘candles’ lit by solar power each day at dusk.”
Council commissioned this piece in 2025 as part of its investment in new Chanukah decorations and Mr Adler crafted it in partnership with the Jewish Climate Network.
The Mayoral Minute also requests Council provide a number of dedicated mural panels along the Bondi Beach Sea Wall for a period of 12 months, with a select expression of interest process to engage artists.
Importantly, the Mayoral Minute proposes that at Council’s first ordinary meeting for the year, scheduled for 24 February, public obituaries for the 15 victims of the attack will be heard.
“I remain totally committed to supporting our community through this unprecedented and unimaginable tragedy, and that includes honouring all those affected – especially the victims,” Mayor Nemesh said.
“There is much work to be done and many voices to be rightly heard, and I will keep the community updated each step of the way.”
