Answers to some common Bondi attack questions
24 December 2025 | Council News
Latest update: Tuesday 17 February, 2026
As Waverley grieves the senseless violence and loss of life that occurred at Chanukah by the Sea on Sunday 14 December, Council would like to thank our community for coming together during this painful time.
The love, care, and support shown to one another in the wake of this tragedy demonstrated the true spirit of Waverley.
It is crucial that we continue to stand united, so together we can forge a pathway toward healing. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who lost their lives, their families, and all affected, particularly our Jewish community.
More information, support and ways to help can be found on a dedicated NSW Government website here.
Jewish Community Resilience & Support Hotline
One centralised number has been created to direct individuals to the appropriate service offerings. This is a 24/7 service for all levels of support. Please call 1800 979 676 and you will be directed to the appropriate service. Crisis response services available include meals, financial, psychological and family support.
Permanent memorial
Discussions about a permanent tribute to honour the victims and survivors of this horrific attack will be led by the NSW Government in conjunction with Council, which will work closely with the Jewish community and wider community on ideas for a suitable commemoration. There are many ideas, and this process will take time. Council will provide an update and share plans for the permanent memorial once they have been finalised.
For those wishing to share condolences or messages of support, the NSW Government has set up an online condolence book which can be accessed here.
Temporary memorial
Council relocated a menorah from Military Road in Dover Heights to Bondi Park in Bondi Beach on Tuesday 5 January. It will form a temporary memorial to the victims of the terror attack until a permanent memorial is established.The menorah was designed by Jewish artist Joel Adler, in partnership with the Jewish Climate Network, and was commissioned by Waverley Council in 2025 as part of its investment into Chanukah decorations for the community. It is a contemporary interpretation of a menorah, fitted with solar power to light up the “candles”.
The footbridge
Council is aware of a wide range of views regarding the future of the footbridge at Bondi. No decision has been made at this point, and our priority remains supporting those affected by the horrific attack. Any decision making regarding the bridge will require consultation from the Jewish community, the Waverley community, the families of the victims and the NSW Government. As an interim measure, signage on the footbridge will remind passersby to be respectful.
Community hub hours and services
The Bondi Community Hub has transitioned, as the recovery focus moves to the delivery of embedded community supports and resources. Stood up in the aftermath of the attack with the goal of providing immediate support to people impacted by the event, the hub was an important resource for the initial two months.
There have been more than 1,400 visits since it opened in December, with more than 650 applications now lodged with Victims Support Services and over 400 businesses supported. Now that many people are registered with NSW Government services, a streamlined hub will operate at The Pavilion for the coming months, with the crucial services of Lifeline for mental health support, plus Legal Aid NSW to assist with Victim Support Services applications available.
Bondi Lifeline Support Hub
Location: The Bondi Story Room, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach
Service hours: 10 am-4 pm
Medicare mental health pop-up in Bondi Junction.
Location: The Junction Neighbourhood Centre, 59 Newland Street, Bondi Junction (1800 595 212)
Blood drive
Council is immensely grateful to everyone across Australia for the record-breaking blood and plasma donations to Lifeblood in wake of the attack. This need for blood and plasma will continue into 2026, so please donate. Find your nearest centre here.
Donations and support
A dedicated fundraising appeal has been established by the NSW Government in partnership with Rotary. The Unite for Bondi - Bondi Terror Attack Appeal will provide support to the survivors and families of victims. Assistance may include immediate financial relief such as bereavement costs, medium-term recovery assistance, and longer-term needs including medical care, counselling and rehabilitation. The fund will also support longer-term healing initiatives for the Bondi community. Donations can be made and more information can be found here.
Members of the community can also pledge their support to the Jewish Community and call for a more harmonious New South Wales by signing the Bondi Support Pledge.
Mental health supports
NSW Health Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Jewish Care Intake and Triage Line: 1300 133 660
Jewish Care has internal and external counsellors available to support those in crisis or needing additional assistance during this period.
Jewish community resilience and support hotline: 1800 976 676
Jewish House 24/7 Crisis Line: 1300 544 357
Immediate crisis support is available at any time.
Pop-Up Bondi Medicare Free Mental Health Centre: The Junction Neighbourhood Centre, 59 Newland Street, Bondi Junction (1800 595 212)
Lifeline: 13 11 14
13YARN (First Nations): 13YARN
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Headspace: 1800 650 890
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Sydney Children's Hospital Network - Safe Haven: Provides a calm, supportive space for young people aged 7–17 experiencing psychological distress or suicidal thoughts. This is a free, drop-in service. No appointment is required. Location.
Talking to Children: The Australian Psychological Society provides information sheets on helping children cope after community violence.
A range of supports and resources are available for anyone who needs them. Please visit nsw.gov.au/bondibeachattack for more information.
Details about community support services, including crisis counselling, can also be accessed through our dedicated support page.
Victim Support Scheme
The NSW Victims Support Scheme assists victims of violent crime with counselling and financial support. Information is available online through Service NSW.
Financial support
The NSW Government and Commonwealth have made available financial supports for individuals and businesses impacted by the terror attack. Please visit nsw.gov.au/bondibeachattack for more information.
Bondi Attack Grant
Financial support is available for victims and their families, witnesses and community members affected by the Bondi attack through the Home Affairs Scheme. This grant provides reimbursement for transport, accommodation, counselling, and essential needs.
Floral tribute
The outpouring of love and support at the temporary flower memorial at Bondi Pavilion in the weeks after the attack was been incredibly moving. The tributes were removed from with the site, with Council working closely with the Premier’s Department and the Jewish community to ensure this process was undertaken respectfully. Photographs, along with a representation of other materials from the tribute site, have been captured and will be preserved for future memorials as deemed appropriate. Cards and other non-perishable items have been collected by the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Remembering Bondi project
Sydney Jewish Museum has created a new online space to collate memories and preserve the tributes and stories that arose from the attack. The project is a way of ensuring memories endure, with dignity, for now and for future generations. Members of the community, local residents, witnesses, victims' families and anyone affected can upload their photos, videos, thoughts and recollections. Find out more here.
Share your testimony
The Sydney Jewish Museum is also collecting testimonies related to the attack. Testimony is a vital component of education programs and exhibitions. By sitting down with survivors, eyewitnesses, heroes and others affected, the museum will ensure that what happened on 14 December is documented for posterity, safeguarding these compelling, first-hand accounts for future generations. For information about how to share your story, contact sbiederman@sjm.com.au.
Online Hate Speech and Harassment
If you experience online hate speech or harassment:
- Report the content directly to the relevant social media platform
- Make a report to the eSafety Commissioner
Playground closure
Out of respect for the community, Council temporarily closed the Bondi Beach playground for two weeks, while urgent maintenance works were undertaken. It has since reopened. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Looking after each other
Checking in with friends, neighbours and community members - particularly within the local Jewish community - can make a meaningful difference. Connection and care matter.