Community and Connection

Along with so many others in the Bondi community, I find myself without many words right now. And perhaps that’s okay. There are moments when adding more noise doesn’t feel helpful, when what’s really needed is space, quiet, and time to gently reset.

I’ve lived in Bondi for over 20 years, and if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s this: community and love sit at the heart of this place. That has always been true, and it feels especially important to remember now.

In times like these, connection matters more than ever. When trauma is held alone, without somewhere to land or be spoken, it can quickly turn inward. Fear, worry, and distress can become a looping narrative, and isolation often deepens the hurt. Complicated trauma so often develops when we are left alone with our fear, sadness, and shock, without support or a safe outlet.

This is why reaching out, whether to another person, a service, or a shared space, can be such an important act of care. We don’t have to carry this by ourselves.

I’m deeply grateful for the many free and accessible supports available right now, and for the commitment shown by our local government and community organisations to meet people where they are. Below is a list of services currently available for anyone who may need support:

• Mental Health Access Line

  Staffing has been bolstered, and the service is available to accept additional calls and referrals on 1800 011 511.

• Lifeline, offering guidance for those impacted by the Bondi Beach attack. Call 13 11 14

• Community Support Centres

  GPs, mental health professionals, services including the Red Cross, and emergency services staff are available at:

  • Waiora Community Centre, Bondi

  • Coogee Welfare Centre

• Youth and Young People’s Support

  Kids Helpline and eheadspace are prioritising referrals from the Eastern Sydney region.

• Parent and Carer Support

  Headspace will be hosting a Parent and Carer Session to help the community support themselves, children, and young people. Details will be shared when available.

• Family Support Resources

  ReachOut has published a guide for managing family distress, which may be helpful during this time.

If you’re reading this and feeling unsettled, numb, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you need, please know that this is a very human response. Support doesn’t have to mean having the “right” words. Sometimes it simply means not being alone.

Feeling connected, in ways that feel safe for you right now, can help ease some of the sadness, emotional distress, or worry.