As the one-year anniversary of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack approaches, the Albanese Labor Government is extending a range of mental health supports announced in the wake of the tragedy.
These services will continue providing crucial mental health support for residents of Bondi and surrounding area, especially those affected by the December 14 attack.
The Government will extend its support for targeted mental health services for the Jewish community delivered through organisations with established links to communities, including Jewish House and Jewish Care.
The Albanese Government will also make the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre a permanent fixture in Bondi, ensuring the local community continues to have access to free walk-in mental health support.
Located at 241 Oxford St Bondi Junction, the centre has a focus on providing trauma supports and is working in partnership with Jewish Care and Jewish House to ensure the centre is welcoming to the Jewish community.
We will also provide support for the Black Dog Institute’s National Emergency Worker Support Service to continue providing help for first responders affected by the Bondi terrorist attacks, such as surf livesavers.
The extension will allow headspace Bondi to continue its extended opening hours alongside mental health training and education sessions to school staff, students, parents and carers in schools across Australia.
The Government will also extend support for the Witness to War and Violence Multilingual Support Line as well as additional psychological therapies in impacted areas, delivered through the Primary Health Networks.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The looming anniversary of the horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi will be a difficult time for many people in the Jewish community and the broader Bondi community.
“That is why the Albanese Government is extending free mental health supports we delivered in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
“We recognise that grief is not linear, especially for those impacted by that awful day and the extension of these services will ensure the community has support whenever they need it.
“Jewish Care and Jewish House will continue providing culturally appropriate mental health support and assistance to victims and their families on the long road to recovery.
“The permanent Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre is there to support the community, free of charge and without a referral or appointment.
"The services can continue to respond to community needs with high-quality mental health support.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“As the anniversary of the attack at Bondi approaches, it will be a difficult time for many people, and for many different reasons.
“In the immediate aftermath of the attack, we moved quickly to provide mental health support to those affected. But we know the impact of an event like this does not disappear overnight.
"That is why we are making sure this support continues, particularly for the Jewish community.
“The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre has played a vital role in supporting people impacted by the attack. The new permanent service will make sure high-quality mental health care remains available to the community for years to come.
“Today’s announcement is about providing support for anyone who needs it. Whether you are dealing with trauma, struggling with your mental health, or simply need someone to talk to, help will be available when and where it is needed.”
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