NSW Government along with its partners offer 24/7 mental health support for affected community members

The brazen massacre at Westfield Bondi Junction will forever leave a bleak stain throughout the eastern suburbs community – but countless groups are offering support services to those in need.

Politicians paying their respects. Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, Waverley mayor Paula Masselos, Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Coogee MP Majorie O’Neill and NSW premier Chris Minns at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. Photo: Jane Dempster

The brazen massacre at Westfield Bondi Junction will forever leave a bleak stain throughout the eastern suburbs community with the NSW Government working around the clock to offer mental health support to many people affected.

Queensland man Joel Cauchi went on a stabbing rampage throughout the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon, killing six, and leaving many in critical condition, including a nine-month old baby.

He was later gunned down by heroic inspector Amy Scott who has been praised for her bravery.

NSW Premier Chris Minns speaks during a press conference at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 14. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Many in the community are continuing to come to terms with atrocities witnessed by so many and in response, the NSW Government has deployed eight specialist NSW Health disaster trained clinicians to Bondi Junction from 8am to 7pm around the memorial.

Speaking to the Wentworth Courier, Coogee MP Marjorie O’Neill said she wanted those who had been “impacted to know that the entire state” was supporting them.

“The NSW Government has increased the level of mental health support available so that all who need to access it, can,” she said.

The NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511 – is available 24/7 with specialist staff available to speak to anyone affected by the attack.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos, Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Coogee MP Dr Majorie O’Neill and Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane at the memorial just outside Westfield Bondi Junction. Photo: Jane Dempster

Community members are also urged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 6636.

A dedicated victims Support Scheme phone line – 1800 019 123 – has also been established for victims, including witnesses in the centre.

Wentworth MP Allegra Spender echoed Dr O’Neill’s sentiments, and reminded the community while “there was one guy … trying to do enormous harm,” there were also “hundreds of people who were doing all they could to look after each other”.

“And I think that’s got to be the key message we get out there,” she said.

“We are a community that comes together and cares for each other.”

Floral tributes and condolences from members of the public outside Westfield Bondi Junction this morning after the massacre on the weekend. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

In the days following the massacre, a NSW Health spokeswoman said it was working “closely” with its NGO partners, and community mental health sectors “to ensure anyone who needs support” can receive it.

“NSW Health has initiated a mental health disaster response, which is what occurs following major incidents where a large number of people may need mental health support,” the spokeswoman said.

“Our staff will continue to be visible at Bondi Junction mall over the coming days and weeks … and [can be] identified by NSW Health vests.”

Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane told the Wentworth Courier the community was “heartbroken” and people were feeling “vulnerable”.

“We can’t comprehend that a place that felt so safe – where we spent so much time – was the scene of such traumatic events,” she said.

“As your state, local and federal representatives, we are working together in a united way to provide the support and resources our community needs to make sense of this tragedy, to connect and to slowly heal.”

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos offered her “deepest condolences” to those affected and assured that the council would be doing everything possible to ensure residents feel safe once again, despite acknowledging it will take time for the community to “come to terms” with the events.

She highlighted NSW Police assuring residents the threat is now over.

Woollahra mayor Richard Shields offered his full support to Ms Masselos and said his council was “read to assist” to support the community and police “in any way”.