Mental health support available after Bondi tragedy

​NSW Health is stepping up mental health support for anyone impacted by the tragic incident at Bondi on Sunday 14 December.

A mental health disaster response has been initiated to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it, with trained mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee.

These mobile clinicians are there from 8am to 8pm wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests to be easily identified by the local community. They will continue to be visible in the Bondi Beach area over the coming days and weeks.

Anyone who is feeling distress is urged to seek support from our mental health clinicians, who can also provide referral to further appropriate services, if required.

The NSW Government has also been working with Jewish House to provide culturally appropriate services, and partners in the NGO and community mental health sectors to ensure anyone who needs support receives it.

This includes disaster welfare officers, disaster chaplains and Red Cross staff at Coogee who are well-versed in psychological first aid.

NSW Health has boosted existing resources in the local area to ensure the right care is available to those who need it. Members of the Bondi community can access mental health care through:

• Safe Ha​ven at the Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, operating extended hours from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December, 10am to 7.30pm.
• Headspace Bondi Junction​ at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction, from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday.
  
• NSW Health public hospitals remain available for 24/7 mental health support, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital.

The effects of this tragedy are being felt far and wide and the NSW Government strongly encourages anyone who needs help to reach out.

NSW Health has increased staff coverage on its dedicated Mental Health Line, available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.

The Transcultural Mental Health Line (1800 648 911) is available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

If you, or someone in your care, needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpli​ne.com.au

Further information on support services for children and adolescents is available.

For non-crisis support, talk to your GP or another trusted health or mental health professional. You can also call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

"We have initiated a mental health disaster response in the wake of the horrific incident in Bondi, providing mobile mental health clinicians in the local community.

"As we move past the immediate aftermath of this devastating event, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling distressed, anxious, or angry to seek support.

"We have stepped up support with more resources for our existing mental health care services, to ensure help is freely available to anyone who wants it."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

"What happened in Bondi has shaken people right across Sydney and New South Wales.

"Whether you were there, know someone who was, or are feeling distressed by what you've seen online and in the news, it's ok to not be ok.

"We are making free support available through our team of mental health clinicians in Bondi and Coogee, and boosting resources for existing services such as headspace, Safe Haven, the Mental Health Line and Lifeline."

Quotes attributable to NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright:

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died and were injured at Bondi Beach.

"It is important people take care of their mental health in the days and weeks following this traumatic event.

"Everyone processes trauma differently. A range of feelings is a normal part of that process, so don't be afraid to talk about what you're going through.

"We strongly encourage anyone who needs help to reach out. Mental health clinicians are available in the Bondi community, and support is available 24/7 via the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511."