Six months after the Bondi Beach te*ror a*tack claimed 15 lives, the NSW Government has announced an $8.3 million funding package aimed at helping survivors, families and the wider community rebuild.
A centrepiece of the package is a $2 million contribution to Waverley Council for a permanent memorial honouring those k*lled and recognising the community response in the aftermath of the a*tack.
The NSW Government has announced an $8.3 million recovery package, including a permanent memorial, long-term support for victims and families, and new funding for the Jewish community. George Chan/Getty Images
The funding, unveiled today, also includes mental health and recovery programs, funding for community safety measures and redevelopment work at the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Premier Chris Minns said the government remained committed to supporting those affected.
Fourteen of the victims of the Bondi attack (clockwise from top left): Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Dan Elkayam, Matilda, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Tibor Weitzen, Reuven Morrison. Supplied
“The scourge of antisemitism in our community must be eradicated so we’re not just investing in community safety support but also in programs that tackle antisemitism,” he said.
The Jewish community will receive significant additional backing, with a $1 million earmarked for the Jewish Board of Deputies to continue support services and a further $200,000 for community grants delivered alongside Multicultural NSW.
A further $2.6 million has been allocated to the Sydney Jewish Museum for redevelopment works, including new exhibitions focused on modern antisemitism and community education.
The funding also includes mental health and recovery programs, community safety measures, and redevelopment work at the Sydney Jewish Museum. AP
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the attack had left a lasting impact across the area.
“The past six months has presented one of, if not the most, significant challenges Waverley has ever faced and the impact of the te*ror a*tack continues to be deeply felt,” he said.
“This support recognises that recovery is not linear and that the impact is felt long after the headlines fade,” Michele Goldman said. Dean Sewell
Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman said the funding would provide reassurance for people still grappling with the aftermath.
“This support recognises that recovery is not linear and that the impact is felt long after the headlines fade,” she said.
“For the Jewish and broader Bondi community, this funding provides not just practical assistance, but reassurance that we are not facing this alone.”
The latest package builds on assistance already provided by the NSW and Australian governments, including recovery payments for victims and families, a community support hub at Bondi Pavilion, case management services, mental health programs, legal assistance and grants for local businesses affected by the attack.
The announcement comes as criminal proceedings against Naveed Akram continue, with the 24-year-old facing a total of 34 charges, including 15 counts of murder.
Police allege he carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who was sh*t d*ad at the scene.