Our community is heartbroken by the heinous terrorist attack at neighbouring Bondi Beach last night. We are shocked by the scenes of gunmen firing on innocent people including children.

I heard the news of this antisemitic terror attack firsthand standing alongside members of our Jewish community at a Coogee Hannukah event with reports of a major incident emerging literally as we were lighting the first candle on the Hanukkiah.

Rightfully members of the Jewish community, indeed the entire community, will be feeling scared and angry right now. We stand with Bondi and the entire Jewish community at this devastating time and offer our deepest condolences to you and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

Our entire community wraps our arms around you in the wake of this atrocious antisemitic terror attack.

As members of the Jewish community know all too well and as we would all do well to remember – darkness will not prevail.

I want to acknowledge the extraordinary courage of police, paramedics and bystanders who acted quickly and bravely in the face of extreme danger.

I really want to emphasise the importance of maintaining calm and letting the police do their important work.

Support for people affected

Understandably, you may not be coping particularly well in response to these awful scenes at our neighbouring beach. There is support available to you.

The NSW Government has set up a dedicated web page https://www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/bondi-beach-attack

Anyone directly impacted by this tragedy can access support through the NSW Victims Support Scheme. The scheme provides free counselling and financial assistance to people affected by violent crime, including injured victims, witnesses and families who have lost a loved one.

Victims Services has set up a dedicated phone line for victims and family members affected by the Bondi Beach incident. Call 1800 411 822, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

If you are feeling not right as a result of the coverage, need immediate emotional and mental health support, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

The community can also call the NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, which is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.

Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.