The Albanese Labor Government is making sure ongoing access to free mental health support is available for the Bondi community, with the permanent Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre now officially open.
In the immediate aftermath of the Bondi tragedy, the Albanese Government moved to provide dedicated mental health support for the community, including the Jewish community and all those affected by the terrorist attack.
As part of a $42.9 million mental health support package, the Government established a temporary Medicare Mental Health Centre with a focus on trauma-informed care, while work began on a permanent service for the community.
Today, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride joined the Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite, to officially open the new centre.
Located at 241 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, the Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre will provide free, walk-in mental health care and support for people experiencing distress, mental health concerns or emotional difficulties – no referral or appointment required.
The centre will continue to deliver trauma-focused, support while serving as an open door for anyone in the community seeking help.
For people who were visiting Bondi at the time of the attack and want to access support close to home, support is also available through the Government’s growing network of Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia.
There are currently 57 centres open nationwide, with the network expanding to 92 locations.
The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre has been commissioned by Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and is operated by New Horizons.
People seeking support can walk in, call 1800 595 212, or visit www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“In the wake of the horrific Bondi terror attack, our Government swiftly put in place a range of services to provide immediate mental health and trauma support for the community.
“The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre is one of those services, and a now permanent fixture to ensure mental health supports are accessible to those who need them, for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“Following the senseless terrorist attack at Bondi last year, the Australian Government acted quickly to provide free and immediate mental health support for those affected.
“The Bondi Medicare Mental Health Centre has played an important role in helping members of the community impacted by the attack, and this permanent centre will make sure that high-quality mental health care and support remains available for years to come.
“Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or supporting a loved one, this centre provides a safe, welcoming and accessible place to seek help.
“I want to thank the dedicated staff who have supported the Bondi community with compassion and care through an incredibly difficult period, and who will continue to provide that vital support from this new permanent location.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite:
“This permanent Medicare Mental Health Centre will make sure people in our community have ongoing access to free, high‑quality mental health support close to home.
“Whether someone is dealing with trauma, struggling with their wellbeing, or simply needs to talk to a professional, they’ll be able to walk in and get help without delay.
“I want to thank the staff who have supported our community through an incredibly difficult time, and who will continue to provide that care from this new centre. This service will be an important part of Bondi’s recovery and a vital resource for our local area.”
