Answers to some common Bondi attack questions
24 December 2025 | Council News
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 the NSW 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, throughout the holiday season, including public holidays and Shabbat, 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.
Floral tribute
The outpouring of love and support on display shown at the temporary flower memorial at Bondi Pavilion has been incredibly moving.
The floral tributes have now been removed from with the site, with Council working closely with Premier’s Department and the Jewish community to ensure this process was undertaken respectfully. This involved the disposal and composting of flowers and other materials, and the donation of toys. A similar approach was taken with the removal of the temporary flower memorial in the wake of the Bondi Junction stabbings.
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 Jewish Museum.
Permanent memorial
Discussions are underway for a permanent tribute to honour the victims and survivors of this horrific attack. Council is working 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
A community support hub has been established in Bondi, where local businesses and community members can access a range of service providers for practical advice and wellbeing support. NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid NSW and Lifeline will on site and offering their services.
Location: Yalagang Room, Bondi Pavilion
Service hours: 10 am - 4 pm until late January, excluding public holidays.
A range of support services including crisis counselling can also be accessed through our dedicated support page.
Playground closure
Out of respect for the community, Council will temporarily close the Bondi Beach playground for two weeks, while urgent maintenance works are undertaken. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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 if you are able to in January. 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 support
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.
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.