Children affected by Bondi attack rebuild trust in emergency services
Children from families affected by the Chanukah terror attack at Bondi Beach took part in a community event on Sunday aimed at easing their fear of emergency services.
The morning at Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights grew out of a conversation between Bondi survivors and the NSW government’s Bondi Community Response team, led by the Premier’s Department.
Bondi survivor families explore ambulances (supplied)
Families shared that their children had become anxious around sirens and emergency vehicles in the months since the attack.
“We heard from families that their children were feeling very anxious and traumatised when they saw or heard emergency vehicles,” said Hannah Damkar, Deputy Coordinator General for the Bondi Community Response.
“We thought it would be useful for kids to have the chance to meet first responders and understand that they are there to help them.”
The event was kept small and was shared directly with affected families through trusted networks, so children could take their time and feel comfortable.
NSW Police brought together a range of emergency services, as well as Hatzolah, giving children the chance to climb into police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and helicopters. They could switch on sirens, use radios, meet police dogs and horses, and watch helicopters land and take off.
Helicopters at the event (NSW Police supplied)
As well as the Premier’s Department, the event was supported by Kesser Torah College’s Parents and Friends Association, Jewish House, and the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales.
Parents said the difference for their children was immediately clear.
“My kids loved this morning as well. The helicopters taking off were a highlight for sure. Everyone took the time to patiently talk to the children and show them the vehicles and explain what they did. It was a great, positive and enjoyable morning,” said Sarah.
Wayne Miller, a parent, said the experience helped take the fear out of the sounds that had been upsetting his children. “Thank you so much for a beautiful event. It allowed the kids to see where the noises come from and that they are filled with good people who are there to help us. They are no longer scary noises. It was a brilliant initiative.”
Another parent, David, said: “It was such a wonderful event. My kids loved it, and it helped them feel much more comfortable with police, ambulances and the sirens.”
Organisers said early feedback suggests children are now more at ease around emergency services and better understand what they do, with the event forming part of ongoing recovery efforts led by the Bondi Community Response.
