Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Australian Government

01/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/18/2026 20:52

National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack(link is external)

Australian Government plans of observance for the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

How Australia will observe the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack

The Australian Government has announced a National Day of Mourning(link is external) to honour the victims and all those impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

The theme the Chabad Community in Bondi have chosen is: 'Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance.'

National institutions in Canberra, as well as New South Wales will be illuminated as a symbol of light on the evening of Thursday 22 January 2026. Institutions around Australia are encouraged to participate.

A commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light will be held in Canberra and across Australia. Each pillar will serve a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance and national solidarity.

Questions and answers

How you can observe the National Day of Mourning

Members of the public are invited to observe one minute of silence on the National Day of Mourning to honour those impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack at 19:01 AEDT on 22 January 2026.

You are also encouraged to:

  • come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds on Thursday 22 January 2026
  • leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community
  • undertake one of more of the 15 suggested Mitzvah for Bondi(link is external).

How Australians can express their condolences

Condolence messages can be shared online through the Bondi Beach condolence book.(link is external)

Will there be a national memorial service people can attend on the Day of Mourning?

The Bondi Beach Attack Memorial Event, which is being organised by the Chabad of Bondi on Thursday 22 January 2026 at 19:00 AEDT, will be recognised as a National Event.

Will there be a public holiday?

There will not be a public holiday in Australia.

Should all flags be flown at half-mast?

As a mark of mourning and respect and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the National Day of Mourning, Thursday 22 January 2026.

The Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government and New South Wales Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations and jurisdictions are welcome to participate.

Further information on flying the Australian National Flag at half-mast(link is external) can be found in the Australian Flag booklet.

Is there a requirement to suspend events on the National Day of Mourning?

There is no formal requirement to suspend events on the National Day of Mourning.

Organisations and businesses may wish to acknowledge the day if appropriate.

What is a Mitzvah?

A Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and a moral responsibility. It is about taking practical action to help others, through simple everyday acts of kindness that together create a powerful wave of goodwill. This can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to local businesses, or donating to those in need.

Fifteen suggested Mitzvah for the 15 people lost in the Bondi attack

  1. Give to others - donate to organisations in service of others.
  2. Uplift the sick - visit someone who is unwell and offer support.
  3. Help those who have helped you - perform one small task to help your parent or older relative.
  4. Open your home - offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.
  5. Travel with care - help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.
  6. Prioritise family - spend the first hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.
  7. Gratitude first - begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.
  8. Act with intent - reflect with a moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning a task.
  9. Kindness to animals - ensure your pets are fed and cared for before you sit down to enjoy your own meal. 
  10. Work with integrity - give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to. 
  11. Warmth and positivity - greet people with a smile and take time to speak to other.s 
  12. Cherish your partner and friend - remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.
  13. Prayer for healing - say a prayer for the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.
  14. Teach children - read children stories that show them all the good in the world. 
  15. Legacy of life - empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope.

More information on One Mitzvah for Bondi(link is external) is available on the New South Wales government website.

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Australian Government published this content on January 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 19, 2026 at 02:53 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]