Small businesses in the immediate vicinity of Bondi Beach can now register for grants up to $25,000
What’s Happening: The Australian and NSW governments have announced over $20 million in immediate support following the 14 December Bondi terror attack.
Why This Matters: With disaster recovery funding activated, affected businesses and individuals can access immediate financial assistance whilst mental health services operate on the ground at Bondi and Coogee to support community wellbeing.
The Australian and NSW governments have moved swiftly to support victims, families, and businesses affected by Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people and injured more than 40 others during a Hanukkah celebration.
The support package, exceeding $20 million, has been jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments, with most elements funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which were activated following the attack on 14 December 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation’s response to what authorities have described as an antisemitic terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology.
“The antisemitic terrorism incident in Bondi has shaken the Jewish community, and indeed the whole nation who have been devastated by what is an unprecedented attack on the Australian way of life,” says Albanese. “My government is committed to supporting those in the wake of this tragedy which is why we are partnering with the New South Wales Government to provide over $20 million in funding for support services through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
Grants open Friday
Small businesses impacted by the attack in the immediate vicinity, or those who can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, will be able to access grants up to $25,000. Registrations commence on Friday, 19 December, with grants processed by early next week.
Impacted businesses can register for support by attending the Community Hub at North Bondi RSL or contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 to organise a meeting with a Business Concierge member.
The package builds on NSW’s history of supporting businesses through disasters, with previous initiatives providing up to $50,000 for businesses affected by floods and other natural disasters.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasised the government’s commitment to sustained support.
“This attack has caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state,” says Minns. “Our responsibility is to stand alongside people in their grief, provide real support, and help the community recover, not just in the days ahead, but for as long as it takes.”
Community hub established
A community hub will operate from Friday, 19 December to Tuesday, 23 December, between 10am and 4pm at North Bondi RSL. The hub brings together multiple support services under one roof, including the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Service NSW Business Concierge, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid, and Lifeline.
The package includes $1 million for Waverley Council to assist with clean-up requirements at Bondi Beach and for community cohesion events, alongside $2.8 million to provide up to eight coordinators to undertake community engagement and support the local community.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey highlighted the community’s resilience in the face of terrorism.
“Sydney’s Jewish community, and everyone else who loves Bondi Beach, have refused to be cowed by Sunday’s evil attack,” says Mookhey. “This assistance package is recognition that our community is at its strongest when it pulls together, and that when it does so, terror can never prevail.”
Mental health response
NSW Health has initiated a comprehensive mental health disaster response, with trained mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee. Mobile clinicians wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests will be onsite from 8am to 8pm for the next several weeks.
NSW Health has increased staff coverage on its dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Line, available on 1800 011 511. The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
For those requiring crisis support, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, whilst children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.
Victim support expanded
The package delivers substantial support for victims and their families, including $2 million for Jewish community organisations to support victims’ families. This includes $1 million for Jewish House to establish a Victim Support Fund delivering culturally sensitive assistance to the Jewish community.
Enhancements to NSW’s existing victim support scheme include increased financial support for injured victims and their immediate families, funeral and burial costs for victims, and support for the repatriation of remains.
An additional $1 million has been allocated for local Jewish organisations to provide community mental health triage, whilst $3.6 million will fund six place-based recovery officers to undertake case coordination and outreach for affected individuals and families.
Security measures have also been strengthened, with $1.5 million allocated for additional security at Jewish community locations across NSW.
Legal Aid and Disaster Response Legal Services will receive $1 million to provide legal services supporting community recovery.
Victims Services has established a dedicated phone line for victims and family members, available on 1800 411 822 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Understanding how to navigate government support programmes during disasters can significantly impact business recovery and community resilience.
The Department of Home Affairs will ensure urgent visa enquiries related to the attack receive priority support, with staff prepared to provide urgent assistance to affected families. Family members seeking to travel to Australia can contact the Global Service Centre on 13 18 81 (Australia) or +61 2 6196 0196 (international).
Albanese reinforced the government’s unequivocal stance against terrorism.
“My Government unequivocally stands against terrorism and will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of this community and all Australians,” he says.
Minns urged anyone struggling to reach out for support.
“This package is about dignity, compassion and practical help, ensuring families are supported, businesses can recover, and people know they are not facing this alone,” says Minns. “I urge anyone who is struggling or needs help to reach out. Support is available, and we want people to use it.”
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