$25k grants for Bondi small businesses impacted by terror attack

Businesses located in the immediate vicinity of the antisemitic attack, which saw 15 people killed and 22 injured by two alleged gunmen on Sunday night, will be able to apply for the financial assistance from Friday, December 19. The grants will be processed from next week.

Grants will also be provided to small businesses outside the immediate area that show exceptional circumstances.

Business owners will be able to apply in person for a grant at a Community Hub that will operate from North Bondi RSL from Friday through to Tuesday, December 23, between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Businesses can also apply for a grant by contacting Service NSW on 13 77 88 to arrange a meeting with a member of the Service NSW Business Concierge team.

Along with the Service NSW Business Concierge, the Community Hub will also have representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Health, Service NSW, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Legal Aid and Lifeline available to provide practical advice and support to community members.

The support package from the federal and state governments will also include direct funding for Jewish community organisations and legal aid providers, increased funding for NSW’s existing victim support scheme, and funding for security and mental health resources.

The package is being mostly funded under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which were activated following the attack on Sunday.

In a statement announcing the financial support package, NSW Premier Chris Minns said the mass shooting has “caused unimaginable pain for victims, families and the Jewish community, and it has shaken our entire state”.

“Our responsibility is to stand alongside people in their grief, provide real support, and help the community recover, not just in the days ahead, but for as long as it takes,” he said.

“This package is about dignity, compassion and practical help, ensuring families are supported, businesses can recover, and people know they are not facing this alone.”

If you need assistance, NSW Health has a 24-hour Mental Health line, on 1800 011 511, and 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 kidshelpline.com.au.

This post first appeared on SmartCompany. You can read it here.