In the wake of Sunday’s devastating tragedy at Bondi, NSW Health has stepped up mental health support for anyone affected – whether you were there, know someone who was, or are, like all of us, simply feeling distressed by what you’ve seen and about the world we're living in.
A mental health disaster response has now been activated, with trained clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee. You’ll see them wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests, making them easy to identify, and they’ll be available daily from 8am to 8pm over the coming days and weeks. Their role is simple but vital: to listen, provide immediate support, and connect people with further care if needed.
The NSW Government is also working closely with non-profit organisation Jewish House, alongside community and NGO mental health partners, to ensure support is culturally appropriate and widely accessible. At Coogee, disaster welfare officers, chaplains and Red Cross staff – all trained in psychological first aid – will also be on hand to help.
Local services have also been bolstered to meet increased demand. Members of the community can access support through the following:
- Safe Haven at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, operating extended hours from Monday 15 to Friday 19 December, 10am–7.30pm
- Headspace Bondi Junction, open 9am–6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday
- NSW Health public hospitals, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital, all offering 24/7 mental health support
For immediate, around-the-clock help, NSW Health’s Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) has increased staffing and is available 24/7. The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is also available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
If you or someone you care for needs crisis support, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, while Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) offers phone and online support for children and young people. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) can help with non-crisis mental health advice, and speaking with a GP or trusted health professional is strongly encouraged.
Trauma can surface as sadness, anxiety, anger or numbness – and everyone processes these moments differently. What matters most is knowing that help is available, free, and close by. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to carry it alone. As Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson emphasised, “it’s OK to not be OK”.
You can learn more about how you can help in the wake of the tragedy over here.
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