Dear Vicky,

Our whole community is grieving. Yesterday was one of the darkest days in Australian history.

My heart is broken, and I know many in our community feel the same way. Jewish Australians are such a vital part of Wentworth and our nation.

Our country is built on the safety and acceptance of all - regardless of faith, ethnicity, or sexuality.

Yesterday’s dreadful murders are the worst nightmare of Jewish Australians, and all of us who are proud of what our country stands for.

This is the day we must all stop being complacent about what it takes to preserve our beautiful tolerant country, and actively pursue our cohesion.

We must be steadfast and strong, but not reactionary.

At a personal level, I urge everyone to reach out to every Jewish Australian they know and say, I am here for you, I have your back. As a community we must hold each other during this time of tremendous grief. We all belong. We all have the right to live in peace and safety.

I send all my love to the families of those killed and injured. I thank the police and health services and those heroic and caring Australians who have stepped up at this devastating moment.

My office has created a dedicated page on our website containing live updates, resources and ways to provide support as more information comes available. To view the page, please click below.

Recovering belongings and vehicles from Bondi Beach

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated to support the multi-agency response to the Bondi Beach incident. Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating to people impacted by this afternoon’s incident.

This number is 1800 227 228. It will operate on a 24-hour basis for as long as is necessary.

The PIIC will also be the place to register for people who were forced to leave personal possessions – including vehicles – behind during the emergency. Police warn it may be some days until these can be returned to their owners.

Official Vigil

Thank you to everyone in the community who has reached out asking about a vigil for the public.

As this period falls within the Jewish festival of Chanukah, all steps are being taken to ensure any memorial services have the safety, respect and dignity of our Jewish community as a first priority.

Please be mindful of this during this period. When information regarding a public vigil becomes available, I will update the community as soon as possible and appreciate your patience.

Chanukah is the Jewish festival of light and hope. Over the coming week you may wish to light a candle in the evenings in solidarity with Jewish people.

Flowers

If you wish to leave a floral tribute, a memorial site has been established at the back of Bondi Pavilion.

Online Condolence Book

NSW Government has set up an online condolence book to honour all those affected by the attack. Please click here to leave a message of condolence and share this link with any friends and family.

Donating Blood

Lifeblood Australia has issued an urgent call out for blood donations, especially for donors with type O negative blood. You can make an appointment at lifeblood.com.au.

There has already been an overwhelming response from our community and I understand that across Sydney appointments have filled up for this week. For now please choose the earliest possible appointment and I will update the community if additional options become available.

Talking to our kids

These events may be especially traumatic for the young people in our lives.

I encourage you to talk to them about what happened, let them express their feelings, and try to have them stay away from social media and rolling news coverage.

Additional counselling services will be made available at nearby public primary schools for students and staff.

Further support

I know this is an incredibly distressing time for the community.

Support is available.

Trained disaster mental health support clinicians are currently roving on the ground at Bondi, and can provide support - including for any witnesses who have been traumatised. They are identifiable in NSW Health vests so if you are feeling distress please make yourselves known to these clinicians.

A drop-in mental health support office is also being set up in the area and I will update when the location is confirmed. NSW Health also has a 24/7 phone line to connect people to mental health services. Call 1800 011 511.

For a full list of support services please refer to the dedicated page on my website.

Please know my Edgecliff office is open this week for anyone in the community needing support. We are here to help you however we can.

With love,

Allegra Spender MP