Victoria Commits $2 Million to Jewish Safety, Mental Health After Bondi Attack

Package includes expanded mental health support, youth camp security, and a new intervention program aimed at preventing violent extremism.

Members of the local Jewish community embrace at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach, in Sydney on Dec.15, 2025. Saeed KHAN / AFP via Getty Images

Victoria’s government has announced more than $2 million (US$1.3 million) in new security and support funding for Jewish communities, as police increase their presence following the deadly anti-Semitic attack in Sydney.

The package includes funding for private security, youth camp protection, mental health services, and counter-extremism programs, alongside renewed calls for tighter gun laws nationally.

The Dec. 14 incident at Bondi Beach killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis, and a French national. Forty people were injured, including two police officers.

Under the package, $900,000 will be directed to the Community Security Group (CSG) to expand patrols and protective measures at Jewish schools, religious services, cultural events and holiday programs.

An additional $250,000 has been allocated to boost security at Jewish youth summer camps, following concerns that children’s programs could be targeted.

Mental Health Support

The government has also committed $480,000 for mental health and community support services.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria will each receive $100,000, while $280,000 will go to JewishCare to expand counselling, casework, and outreach, including to young people and Orthodox communities.

Demand for mental health services had already increased sharply before the Sydney attack, driven by sustained harassment and fear within the community.

A further $250,000 will fund a therapeutic intervention program aimed at diverting individuals away from violent extremism by strengthening community ties and disrupting radicalisation pathways.

The investment comes as authorities face questions over how individuals with known extremist associations were able to avoid long-term monitoring.

Rising Anti-Semitic Attacks

The announcement follows a series of anti-Semitic incidents in Victoria over the past two years, including firebombing and arson attacks on synagogues, repeated vandalism of Jewish schools and community buildings, and the targeting of Jewish neighbourhoods with threats and graffiti.

In late 2023, a synagogue in Melbourne was set alight in what police treated as a hate-motivated attack.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the measures were aimed at ensuring Jewish Victorians felt safe.

“My thoughts are with the Jewish community. You belong here and you deserve to feel safe and secure,” she said.

In Western Australia, a condolence book was opened at Government House in Perth on Dec. 15, with members of the public invited to leave messages and floral tributes.

An online condolence book has also been launched by the NSW government.