Federal and NSW governments announce $20m-plus recovery package after Bondi attack
The Albanese and Minns governments have jointly announced a more than $20 million recovery package in response to the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi, delivering immediate financial assistance, expanded victim support services and targeted help for local businesses.
Most measures will be funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which were activated following the attack. The package recognises the significant emotional, social and economic impact on victims, families, businesses and the wider community.
A community recovery hub will open at North Bondi RSL from Friday, 19 December to Tuesday, 23 December, operating daily from 10am to 4pm. Representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid and Lifeline will be on hand to provide practical advice and support.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack had shaken the nation.
“The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi has shaken the Jewish community, and indeed the whole nation, who have been devastated by what is an unprecedented attack on the Australian way of life,” Mr Albanese said.
“This event is a tragedy and the Bondi community, Sydney and Australia are hurting. My government is committed to supporting those in the wake of this tragedy, which is why we are partnering with the New South Wales Government to provide over $20 million in funding for support services through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the focus was on long-term recovery as well as immediate assistance.
“This attack has caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state,” Mr Minns said.
“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.”
Support for victims and families
The package includes $2 million for Jewish community organisations to support victims’ families, including $1 million for Jewish House to establish a Victim Support Fund providing culturally sensitive assistance. A further $1 million has been allocated to Legal Aid and Disaster Response Legal Services.
NSW’s existing victim support scheme will be expanded to increase financial assistance for injured victims and their immediate families, cover funeral and burial costs, and support the repatriation of remains. An additional $1 million will fund community mental health triage through local Jewish organisations, while $3.6 million will support six place-based recovery officers to coordinate outreach and case management.
Business and community assistance
Impacted small businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $25,000, with registrations opening on Friday 19 December and payments expected early next week. Businesses can register through the community hub or by contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 to arrange support from a Business Concierge.
The package also provides $1.5 million for additional security at Jewish community locations, $1 million for Waverley Council to assist with clean-up at Bondi Beach and community cohesion events, and $2.8 million for up to eight community engagement coordinators. This includes a $1 million grants program delivered in partnership between Multicultural NSW and the Jewish Board of Deputies.
The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi has shaken the Jewish community, and indeed the whole nation who have been devastated by what is an unprecedented attack on the Australian way of life.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “This event is a tragedy and the Bondi community, Sydney, and Australia, is hurting. My government is committed to supporting those in the wake of this tragedy, which is why we are partnering with the New South Wales Government to provide over $20 million in funding for support services through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“My Government unequivocally stands against terrorism and will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of this community and all Australians.”
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minn added: “This attack has caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state.”
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.”
Mental health response
A mental health disaster response has been activated, with mobile NSW Health clinicians deployed in Bondi and Coogee from 8am to 8pm for the coming weeks. Staffing has also been increased on the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511), with the Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) available for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
People needing crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, while children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or access online chat.
The Australian and NSW governments said they would continue working closely with the community to ensure support remains responsive and sustained.
