Hundreds of people affected by the Bondi Beach terror attack are expected to seek assistance at a newly established Bondi Community Hub, as New South Wales authorities intensify efforts to support victims, families, first responders, and the wider community still grappling with trauma more than two weeks after the attack.
NSW Premier Chris Minns officially announced the opening of the hub on Monday, confirming it will operate from Bondi Pavilion, close to the site of the Chanukah celebration attack that shocked the nation. The hub is designed to provide a centralised point of access for psychological, medical, financial, and legal support services.
The Premier said the hub would be open to anyone affected, both directly and indirectly — including those who were wounded, targeted, or traumatised during the attack, as well as paramedics, emergency workers, witnesses, and community members experiencing delayed psychological impacts.
“You can get access to emergency care, emergency counselling, or financial help and advice in this most difficult of times,” Mr Minns said.
The hub is currently scheduled to operate until the end of January, although the Premier acknowledged the timeframe could be extended depending on demand. He said authorities anticipate that “hundreds” of people will ultimately require assistance.
“We anticipate that there’s hundreds of people that have effectively been directly affected by this terrorism event,” Mr Minns said. “Some people may not realise they need help today, but discover in the new year that they are desperately in need of it.”
He emphasised that support may range from professional counselling and legal advice to simply having someone to talk to during an emotionally overwhelming period.
The location of the hub near the attack site was acknowledged as potentially confronting for some. However, Mr Minns stressed that attendance in person was not mandatory, encouraging people to send a friend on their behalf or arrange alternative meeting locations.
“It’s not mandatory that you’re on site,” he said. “We can meet people in their homes, at a café, or anywhere they feel safe. We will make that happen.”
The hub brings together multiple government and community services under one roof, including Service NSW, the Reconstruction Authority, Multicultural NSW, and Legal Aid. Authorities say this coordinated approach is intended to remove barriers for people seeking help during a highly sensitive time.
Cultural and religious considerations have also been incorporated. Kosher catering is available onsite, and senior rabbi Yehoram Ulman visited the hub to bless the facility and ensure it operates in accordance with kosher requirements.
The Jewish Board of Deputies played a significant role in the creation of the hub, working closely with the NSW Government to ensure the needs of the Jewish community — particularly those impacted during the Chanukah celebrations — are appropriately addressed.
The opening of the Bondi Community Hub comes amid growing calls from families of victims for a royal commission into the attack, as public debate continues over policing, security arrangements, and intelligence failures.
As Bondi prepares for ongoing commemorations and a long recovery process, authorities say the hub will remain a cornerstone of community healing in the weeks and months ahead.
