Federal Gov’t Invests $42.6m In Mental Health Services After Bondi Terror Attack

The federal government will invest $42.6 million into national mental health services, especially targeting Jewish Australians, Bondi locals and first responders. 

As per reporting from ABC News, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler explained that the tranche of funding was aimed at providing immediate support to people accessing assistance via hotlines and online, as well as locally within Bondi, including  both informal and clinical care on the phone, online or in person.

“It’s a time where we want to reassure Australians, particularly Jewish Australians, we’re doing everything possible to protect them and to keep them safe,” he said, and continued that he knows the trauma following Sunday’s attack has “reverberated” well beyond Bondi.

“We’re hearing already levels of distress spiking, not just in Sydney, but well beyond.”

It is reported that more than $14 million will be allocated exclusively to Jewish community organisations in Australia, as $4,5 million will be provided to health networks in the Sydney region as well as areas with significant Jewish communities.

The federal government also plans to establish a temporary Medicare Mental Health Centre in the Bondi area focusing particularly on trauma support. This is expected to be implemented through early 2026.

NSW also boost state resources

In light of Sunday’s devastating terror attack at Bondi Beach, NSW Health too is upgrading their mental health support for citizens throughout Sydney. They will be placing mobile public mental health clinicians on the grounds at Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach.

NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright explained that it is really important that people are mindful about taking care of their mental health over the coming days and weeks following a traumatic event like the one at Bondi this Sunday, and strongly encourages anyone who needs help to reach out for it.

“Everyone deals with serious trauma differently and processes in their own way. A range of feelings are a normal part of processing a trauma, so don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re going through,” he said.

The clinicians will be present from 8am to 8pm over coming days and weeks, and will be wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests. They will also be able to provide further appropriate services if it is assessed as required.

The effort will further be complemented in collaboration with NGOs, priests, as well as the Jewish House, to provide culturally appropriate support.

At Coogee, disaster welfare officers and chaplains along with Red Cross staff who are well-versed in psychological first aid will also be available.

“What happened in Bondi has shaken so many people right across Sydney and New South Wales,” said Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson.

“Whether you were there, know someone who was, or you’re feeling distressed by what you’ve seen online and in the news, it’s ok to not be ok.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park too encourages everyone who is feeling distressed, anxious, or angry following the attack at Bondi, to seek support.

“We have stepped up support with more resources for our existing mental health care services, to ensure help is freely available to anyone who wants it,” he said.

The existing public mental health services that stand to be boosted include Safe Haven at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, which will operate extended hours from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December from 10am to 7.30pm.

Headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction will be open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday, and NSW Health public hospitals will remain available for 24/7 mental health support, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Help and support is available

• Bondi Victim Services Helpline- 1800 411 822
• Public Information & Enquiry Centre- 1800 227 228
• Supply information to police- 1800 333 000
• NSW Health Mental Health Line​, available 24/7 on 1800 011 511​​
• Lifeline- 13 11 14
• The Transcultural Mental Health Line- 1800 648 911 
• Kids Helpline- 1800 55 1800, or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au
• Beyond Blue- 1300 22 4636