Bondi recovery hub shifts to long-term support model

The Bondi Community Hub will change format at the end of this week as recovery efforts move into a longer-term phase, with services embedded directly within community organisations following the December 14 antisemitic terror attack.

Established in the immediate aftermath of the attack, the hub has recorded more than 1,400 visits since opening in December. More than 650 applications have been lodged with Victims Support Services and over 400 businesses have received assistance.

 

A streamlined hub will continue to operate at Bondi Pavilion for the coming months, focusing on key services including Lifeline’s mental health support and Legal Aid NSW assistance with Victim Support Services applications.

The transition comes as the NSW Government embeds ongoing support across the community, including dedicated case workers, mental health services and targeted grants.

A pop-up Medicare Mental Health Centre is now operating in Bondi Junction, offering free and confidential walk-in support without appointment or referral.

Community Resilience and Engagement Officers have been placed within eight organisations, including Surf Life Saving NSW and Waverley Council, to coordinate long-term assistance and maintain direct engagement with community groups.

Under the NSW Government’s $1 million Jewish Community Response Grants Program, 24 organisations have received funding to deliver mental health and resilience programs for children and young people, weekly workshops, safe drop-in spaces, school-based initiatives and community gatherings aimed at cultural healing.

Resilience Support Services will fund specialised counselling, outreach and targeted programs delivered both in person and over the phone through multicultural and youth organisations.

Coordinators General Michele Goldman and Joseph La Posta will continue to lead engagement with the Bondi community to ensure support remains responsive to evolving needs.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the government’s focus remained on partnership with affected communities.

“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,” she said.

Goldman, who is also the CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said the next phase of recovery would remain centred on community healing.

“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 added his thanks to all those who have been involved in the hub.

“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.

The revised model marks the next stage in the state’s recovery response, with support shifting from centralised crisis services to longer-term community-based care.