Waverley Council is set to receive $1 million to assist with clean-up requirements at Bondi Beach, and for community cohesion events, as part of a package of support announced by the Australian and NSW Governments in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.
The package will be jointly funded, with most elements to be funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which have been activated in the wake of the attack.
“This attack has caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“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.”
“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.”
“I urge anyone who is struggling or needs help to reach out. Support is available, and we want people to use it.”
A community hub will be open at North Bondi RSL, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid and Lifeline on hand to provide practical advice and support.
The hub will operate from today, Friday 19 December to Tuesday 23 December, between 10am and 4pm.
The package includes:
Victims and family support
- $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 to the Jewish Community.
- $1 million for Legal Aid and Disaster Response Legal Services to provide legal services to support the recovery of communities.
- Enhancements to NSW’s existing victim support scheme, including increased financial support for injured victims and their immediate families, funeral and burial costs for victims and support for the repatriation of remains.
- $1 million for local Jewish organisations to provide community mental health triage.
- $3.6 million for six place-based recovery officers to undertake case coordination and outreach for affected individuals and families.
Business and community support
- Up to $25,000 for impacted small businesses in the immediate vicinity and those who show exceptional circumstances. Registrations commence on Friday, December 19, with grants processed by early next week.
- $1.5 million for additional security at Jewish community locations.
- $1 million for Waverley Council to assist with clean-up requirements at Bondi Beach, and for community cohesion events.
- $2.8 million to provide up to eight coordinators to undertake community engagement, support the local community and provide capacity building. The funding includes $1 million for a grant program delivered through a partnership between Multicultural NSW and the Jewish Board of Deputies to support community organisations.
Impacted businesses will be able to register for support from Friday, with applications processed from early next week. They can do this by attending the Community Hub or contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 to organise a meeting with a Business Concierge member.
“Sydney’s Jewish community, and everyone else who loves Bondi Beach, have refused to be cowed by Sunday’s evil attack,”
said NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey.
“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.
“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,” he said.
