Support for Community Members Impacted by the Bondi Attack
The Bondi attack in December 2025 has had a profound impact on members of our community.
Some people were directly affected. Others are experiencing ongoing emotional, psychological, or practical challenges in the aftermath.
Jewish House provides access to support for individuals, families, and community members affected by the Bondi attack through a government-funded assistance scheme.
You do not need to be in immediate crisis to reach out. Every enquiry is treated with respect and confidentiality
Who is Eligible for Support
Victims
A person who was present in Archer Park during the Bondi incident and was physically or psychologically injured as a direct result of the incident; or a person who was in the immediate surrounds of Archer Park during the Bondi incident and was psychologically injured as a direct result of witnessing the incident.
Family Victims
An immediate family member of a homicide victim of the Bondi incident. This includes:
- Current spouses
- De facto partners who were living with the victim at the time of death and had lived with them for at least two years
- Parents, step-parents, and guardians
- Children, step-children, and guardian children
- Siblings
Victim Support Person
A related family member who provides emotional, practical, or physical support to a Victim or Family Victim. This includes grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.
Community Member
A vulnerable person from the broader community experiencing trauma as an indirect result of the Bondi incident. This may include people with prior exposure to traumatic events, such as Holocaust survivors, or individuals from countries affected by conflict, violence, or persecution.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can help you identify what support may be available.
What This Support Covers
Jewish House may be able to assist with the following types of support, depending on individual circumstances and need.
Transportation
Transport support is available for the primary purpose of attending funerals, memorials, and reunions between Victims, Family Victims, and Victim Support Persons.
Flights and other travel-related costs may be claimed only where they relate to the primary purpose and demonstrate value for money (e.g. economy airfares apply). Reimbursement is for return travel only.
A cap of $6,000 per person applies for all travel-related claims.
Accommodation
Short-term accommodation support is available for up to 35 days for Victims, Family Victims, and Victim Support Persons.
A travel allowance of $388 per person per day may be claimed for up to 35 days.
This allowance is intended to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
Counselling
Support is available through qualified mental health practitioners to help victims, families, support persons, and community members affected by the Bondi incident.
Available Support Options
Better Access (Medicare)
Eligible individuals can receive Medicare rebates for mental health treatment through the Better Access initiative.
- Up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year
- Requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, or a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician
- A clinically diagnosed mental health condition is required
Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre - 59 Newland St, Bondi
This centre provides free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support.
- No referral, appointment, or Mental Health Treatment Plan required
- Walk-ins welcome or book via 1800 595 212
- Available to everyone, including non-citizens
- No limit on the number of sessions
- Can provide immediate support and connect people with longer-term care if needed
Eligible individuals can access up to 22 counselling sessions, including:
- Primary and secondary victims
- Family members of the deceased
- Parents, step-parents, or guardians of an injured child
JewishCare / Jewish House Counselling Support
Up to 10 counselling sessions are available for:
- People not eligible for Victims Support Services
- Individuals already seeing a private practitioner who need additional support
- Community members experiencing trauma related to the incident
You would first claim the Medicare rebate for each session, and then seek reimbursement for the remaining out-of-pocket (gap) costs (up to $150 per session for up to 10 sessions).
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan in place but have partially or fully exhausted the available 10 sessions for support for reasons not related to the Bondi attack, you can seek reimbursement for up to $150 per session, for up to an additional 10 sessions of counselling. As no Medicare rebate will be available for the additional sessions, you will be responsible for meeting the gap cost between the full cost of the session and the $150 available under this initiative.
You are not required to put one in place to access this support.
You can seek reimbursement for up to $250 per session for up to 10 sessions of counselling.Essential Needs
Essential needs support is to assist with an immediate change of circumstances. This support includes clothing, toiletries, and other incidental expenses such as electronic chargers and medications.
A cap of $500 per person applies.
All claims are reviewed individually, with approval and reimbursement subject to assessment.
Item Reimbursement Program
Jewish House is offering simple, one‑off reimbursements to help people who lost essential items during the Bondi terror attack at Archer Park on 14 December 2025.
This support is designed to be fast, compassionate with low administrative burden.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if:
- You were physically present at Archer Park during the attack, and
- You lost or had essential goods damaged, and
- The total value of your reimbursement claim is up to $1,000, and
- You have not submitted a claim for these items through the NSW Victims Support Scheme (VSS) or insurance or any other government financial assistance scheme, and
- You do not wish to enter the VSS psychological assessment process purely for the purposes of seeking reimbursement of lost or damaged items.
This support is only for primary victims who were at the scene.
What Can Be Reimbursed?
Essential items such as (but not limited to):
- mobile phones,
- prams and strollers,
- scooters,
- bags, glasses, headphones, and
- small children’s items (e.g. clothing, water bottles, comfort items).
If you're unsure whether an item is eligible, please ask - we aim to be flexible and compassionate.
What Is Not Covered?
- Luxury or non‑essential items.
- Items already claimed with VSS or insurance or any other government financial assistance scheme.
- Costs unrelated to the event (e.g., ongoing counselling, medical bills, travel costs).
What Evidence Do I Need?
We will keep the process as simple as possible.
You can provide any reasonable evidence, such as:
- a receipt or screenshot, OR
- a written description of what happened and the item’s approximate cost
If you don’t have receipts, that’s okay — we will work with you.
How Payments Work
- Approved payments are made directly into your nominated bank account.
- This is a one‑off reimbursement.
- You do not need to provide proof of purchase after receiving the payment.
Privacy
All personal information is treated confidentially and used only for the purpose of assessing and administering this support program.
How to Apply
Complete the application form here.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you prefer, a Jewish House Recovery Team member can help you complete your application form.
Please contact: bondisupport@jewishhouse.org.au / 02 9386 0770.
We are here to support you.
Resources
The resources below offer trusted information and community guidance for those impacted by the Bondi attack.
References
Jewish Board of Deputies
Financial Support Factsheet
Victims Support Scheme
Government Fact Sheets
For more information on government support and updates regarding the Bondi Attack please click here.
Contact Us
If you would like to apply for support or have questions about eligibility or documentation, please contact Jewish House.
Phone: 02 9386 0770
Email: bondisupport@jewishhouse.org.au
If you are contacting us on behalf of someone else, you are welcome to do so.
