Category: NSW News

On Sunday evening, as the sun set over Bondi Beach, I witnessed both the worst of humanity and the very best of Australia. 

The horrific images of the Bondi terrorist attack have now been seen across New South Wales and around the world. This was a permanent stain on one of our nation’s most iconic places, a beach that reflects who we are as a country: open, diverse and free. 

As we continue to grapple with the shock and senseless loss of life, our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who were killed, and with the many who were injured. 

We owe an immense debt of gratitude to first responders, surf lifesaving volunteers and members of the public who ran towards danger, without hesitation and without regard for their own safety, to help strangers in need. 

Now we must confront why this happened. 

Once, an attack like this would have been unthinkable in Australia. Yet warning signs have been mounting for some time. This was not just an attack in a public place, it was an attack on our Jewish community, and on the values that bind us together. 

We must examine our gun laws. There is no credible justification for any individual in metropolitan Sydney to own or access multiple high-powered firearms. As Leader of the Opposition, I will work constructively with the Government to ensure New South Wales has the strongest gun laws in the country. Community safety demands nothing less. 

But laws alone are not enough. If we allow hatred to take root and go unchallenged, those laws will be tested, and our people and our communities will remain at risk. 

Antisemitism in NSW has not emerged overnight. It has been allowed to grow through complacency, institutional drift, and a failure of leadership over several years. 

Warning signs were visible well before October 7, rising hostility in workplaces, politicisation of public institutions, tolerance of intimidation, and the quiet erosion of impartiality in education, health and public service settings. 

Rather than confronting these trends early, our governments too often chose appeasement over enforcement and silence over moral clarity. Antisemitic incidents were downplayed, complaints dismissed, and responsibility deferred. 

When hatred escalated into public intimidation, vandalism and violence, the state was unprepared, not because the risk was unforeseeable, but because it was ignored. 

This failure to act sent a clear signal, that antisemitism could persist without consequence. 

In doing so, governments did not just fail the Jewish community, they weakened social cohesion and allowed hate to take root across our state. 

We must demand more from our governments. We now don’t have any other choice. 

It’s now time to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish community and use every means possible to stamp out antisemitism for good. 

The NSW Liberals and Nationals stand ready to do so. 

POGANY FAMILY

Marika, known lovingly to all as Omi, was a beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and steadfast friend , whose warmth and energy touched countless lives. Vibrant and full of life, she brought joy and energy into every room and found her greatest happiness surrounded by her adoring family. Her darling son Romy was her greatest achievement and her world.

Marika was fortunate to have the opportunity to come to Australia in 1968 from Czechoslovakia with Romy lovingly accompanied by her protector, her brother Ivan. She became an Australian citizen in 1972 where she embraced her life as an Aussie from that point on. She was very proud of her country.

She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. Her kindness, laughter, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone she met, and her incredible network of friends was a true reflection of the love and loyalty she inspired.

Deeply devoted to her community, she gave her time and heart in service to others, delivering meals and helping people in need, embodying love in action.

Though she is gone, her light will continue to shine brightly through the family and friends who were so blessed to have her in their lives. Forever our gorgeous Darlink.

SMYTH FAMILY

We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Adam Smyth (50), father of four children and husband to Katrina.

Adam and Katrina were walking at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when they found themselves in the middle of the horrific and devastating attack.

We are all trying to come to terms with the senseless shooting, of which Adam was a victim.

No words can describe the pain of our loss.

Adam and Katrina were living their best lives together. Their shared love of family and friends, travel and sport – if not always the same team – made their time together truly special.

Adam’s loves in life were his English Premier League football team Liverpool, his AFL team the Sydney Swans, the NRL’s Manly Sea Eagles and his beloved pets.

We will forever cherish the time we have had with him. Adam was a generous and kind person who will be dearly missed and is forever irreplaceable.

You’ll never walk alone (YNWA).

GURMAN FAMILY

We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris (69) and Sofia Gurman (61).

They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. In just two days’ time, we were meant to celebrate Sofia’s birthday – a moment that now feels incredibly hard to comprehend.

Boris and Sofia were deeply devoted to their family and were well known in their community for their kindness, warmth and willingness to help others. Boris was a retired mechanic, and Sofia was working at Australia Post for the past five years. They lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with care and respect.

We are devastated by this loss and ask for privacy as we grieve. We are deeply grateful for the love and support shown to our family during this unimaginable time.

ELKAYAM FAMILY

On the 14th of December 2025, the first night of Hanukkah, Dan was at the beach with his friends for the lighting of the Hannukah Candles. He was playing football, celebrating the holiday, and enjoying a sunny summer day at Bondi Beach.

During a mass shooting, Dan was shot in the back while trying to run away.

He was murdered because he was Jewish.

He leaves behind his partner in Australia, as well as his parents, brothers, nieces, and nephews in Paris, France, where he was born and raised. He was deeply proud of his community back home in Le Bourget.

Dan was a 27-year-old IT engineer who was working and being sponsored by NBCUniversal. He was beginning to build his future in Australia, a country he loved.

Football was one of Dan’s greatest passions. He played at the 2022 Maccabiah Games and for several teams in both France and Australia, including Waverley and Rockdale, and was in the process of signing with Dolls Point.

Dan loved life – fully and intensely. He travelled the world and was known for his gentle, kind, fun and loving nature, making friends wherever he went. Alongside football, he had a deep connection with nature. He was a certified scuba diver and an explorer at heart, always eager to discover new places, cultures, and experiences.

Dan brought light wherever he went and inspired countless people through the way he lived. His smile could light up any room. He was pure joy – a beautiful and humble soul.

To say that Dan will be missed is not enough. He was a person who truly wanted to do good in the world, to share his love of life and his sense of adventure with everyone around him.

It is now our responsibility to carry forward the light that Dan spread. He was surrounded by loved ones from all walks of life and all communities, and in times as dark as these, we all have a duty to continue spreading kindness, compassion, and joy – in his name.

TETLEROYD FAMILY

Boris was loved by everyone he met. He was well known to his neighbours, deeply connected to our wider community, and cherished by his family.

He was profoundly loved and adored by his sons Yaakov and Roman and by his wife Svetlana. He is also deeply loved by his brother, aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Boris was a gentle man, a gifted musician and a valued member of his community. We honour his life and the love he so generously gave to those around him.

KLEYTMAN FAMILY

Alex Kleytman was murdered on Sunday, 14.12.2025. He was a fascinating person of many talents and an unwavering spirit. He was also very stubborn!! Born in 1938, he survived the hardships of World War II in frozen Siberia, carrying with him a lifetime of extraordinary stories of resilience, survival, and unexpected luck. He worked as a civil engineer and estimator his entire life, first in the former Soviet Union and then in Australia. He retired in Australia at 76 and worked on many essential projects at Transfield and John Holland, including the Desalination plant, the Olympic stadium, and various highways. He was very valued at his work, and we received many emails and photographs from his colleagues during these dark times.

A former colleague described Alex as, “a talented engineer by training, Alex became one of the founding members of what became John Holland Water and was an instrumental part of this business, which developed into the most successful water infrastructure delivering company in Australia.”

After he retired, he first became a lobbyist, passionately advocating against some aspects of the Sydney Light Rail. Then he found his real passion: writing books about the lives of Jewish people in the Soviet Union. He published two books: ‘Relay of Memory: Known and Unknown Jews’, and ‘Stalin’s Bloody Five-Year Plan 1948-1953’ (the latter was co-authored with my mum, Larisa). These books, grounded in thorough research, were embraced by the community and presented at many public events.

He played table tennis and chess with passion and enthusiasm throughout his life and was a school champion. He loved his wife, Larisa, with unparalleled passion, the kind you only see in the movies. He and Mum loved to dance and were quite good, winning a dancing competition at work. Alex discovered Judaism in his 50s and became observant after immigrating to Australia, where he married Larisa AGAIN on the 25th anniversary of their civil wedding, but this time according to Jewish law. Equally, he cherished Australia, the Australian way of life, the freedom, democracy, people, all of it. In his presence, no one could ever criticise anything about his beloved new home.

Alex tragically died on 14 December 2025, doing what he loved most: protecting Larisa, standing proudly as a Jew, and celebrating the Festival of Lights. The two gunmen killed him, but his memories, his legacy, and his books will bring light for generations to come. He’s survived by his wife, two children and 11 grandchildren. Loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a passionate professional across many fields, you touched so many lives. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

On the 14th of December, Jack Hibbert was shot while fulfilling his role as a police officer at Bondi Beach.

While serving and protecting the community, Jack sustained two bullet wounds – one to his head and another to his shoulder. Jack was on duty, patrolling the Hanukkah celebration interacting with the community at Bondi Beach, when the incident first occurred.

Jack was taken to ICU where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries. Although miraculously surviving, Jack’s injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required.

Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to.

Jack was simply doing his job – a job he deeply loves – driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost.

Many of his colleagues who were present on the night of the incident have visited in hospital and given testaments to Jack’s bravery during the incident, describing his devotion to his community. They described how Jack acted, he moved toward people in need, not away from danger, and continued helping others while seriously injured.

The support from the police force and hospital staff has been unmatched and we are beyond grateful. We thank the wider community for their kindness, support, and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time.

We ask all to respect our privacy as we move through these next stages to support Jack and all his needs to a full recovery.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team has formally charged a 24‑year‑old man alleged to be one of two gunmen responsible for the Bondi Beach mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 people.

About 6.40pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, emergency services were called to Bondi Beach following reports of a public place shooting.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command, surrounding commands, and specialist police responded and located two men using long arms to fire into crowds of people.

Multiple officers exchanged fire with the gunmen, and two officers – a constable and probationary constable – suffered gunshot wounds.

During the incident, one gunman – a 50-year-old man – was shot by police and died at the scene.

The second gunman – his 24-year-old son – suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.  

Fifteen people died during the attack, with 41 people – including four children – taken to hospital.

There are currently 20 patients continuing to receive care across several Sydney hospitals.  

Those who died are still in the process of being formally identified; however, police believe their ages range between 10 and 87.

Of the two injured officers, the constable is in a stable condition, while the probationary constable remains in a critical but stable condition.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM declared the incident terror related, and the investigation was referred to the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT) under Operation Arques.

The NSW JCTT comprises members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.

Following extensive inquiries under Operation Arques, JCTT investigators attended a hospital today (Wednesday 17 December 2025) and charged the 24-year-old Bonnyrigg man with 59 offences, including:

• Commit terrorist act
• 15 counts of murder
• 40 counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder  
• Discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm
• Cause public display of prohibited terrorist org symbol
• Place explosive in/near building with intent cause harm

He remains in hospital under police guard to face Bail Division Local Court 7 via AVL today.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400. 

The Australian National Imams Council, as the highest Islamic and religious authority in Australia, together with its member Imams and religious leaders, unequivocally condemns ISIS as an evil, dangerous terrorist organisation whose actions and ideology stand in complete opposition to the teachings of Islam and the values upheld by Muslims worldwide. This position has been clear and consistent by ANIC since the very emergence of ISIS and has been maintained without hesitation ever since. The Muslim world has suffered firsthand at the hands of ISIS, with the overwhelming majority of its victims being Muslims. Communities across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond have endured mass killings, displacement, and the destruction of places of worship, including mosques. ISIS does not represent Islam or the Muslim world in any way. Its ideology is evil and rooted in violence and terror. It bears no relationship to Islamic teachings, ethics, or scholarship, which emphasise the sanctity of life, justice, and mercy. ANIC and its member Imams have been clear, consistent, and vocal in opposing ISIS and its followers. In 2017, ISIS publicly listed ANIC’s senior members as targets to be killed. This was part of ISIS’s campaign of intimidation at the height of its activity and acts of terror. ANIC, together with Muslim leaders and scholars globally, firmly rejects the use of the term “Islamic State”. We call on all authorities, political leaders, and media agencies to refrain from using this label and to refer to the group only as ISIS or Daesh. This terrorist organisation does not deserve any association with Islam in name or description. We also reject any attempt to connect ISIS or its members to Islam or to frame its evil and dangerous ideology as a distorted version of the Islamic faith. All reputable and prominent Islamic institutions, scholars, and Muftis across the Muslim world have openly, repeatedly, and unequivocally condemned and denounced ISIS and its ideology. This includes leading global Islamic authorities such as Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Muslim World League, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah (Egypt), Majelis Ulama Indonesia, the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, among many others. There is no legitimacy, credibility, or scholarly support for ISIS within mainstream Islam. Anyone connected to, supporting, or promoting ISIS ideology must be denounced and held accountable. There can be no tolerance for the justification, glorification, or revival of an ideology built on violence and terror.

NSW Health is stepping up mental health support for anyone impacted by the tragic incident at Bondi on Sunday 14 December.

A mental health disaster response has been initiated to ensure help is available for anyone who needs it, with trained mental health clinicians working on the ground in Bondi and Coogee.

These mobile clinicians are there from 8am to 8pm wearing hi-vis NSW Health vests to be easily identified by the local community. They will continue to be visible in the Bondi Beach area over the coming days and weeks.

Anyone who is feeling distress is urged to seek support from our mental health clinicians, who can also provide referral to further appropriate services, if required.

The NSW Government has also been working with Jewish House to provide culturally appropriate services, and our partners in the NGO and community mental health sectors to ensure anyone who needs support receives it.

This includes disaster welfare officers, disaster chaplains and Red Cross staff at Coogee who are well-versed in psychological first aid.

NSW Health has boosted existing resources in the local area to ensure the right care is available to those who need it. Members of the Bondi community can access mental health care through:

• Safe Haven at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick is operating extended hours from Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December from 10am to 7.30pm.
• Headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday.
• NSW Health public hospitals remain available for 24/7 mental health support, including Prince of Wales Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The effects of this tragedy are being felt far and wide and the NSW Government strongly encourages anyone who needs help to please reach out for it.

NSW Health has increased staff coverage on NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, to improve the support available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.

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, please 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

Further information on support services for children and adolescents can be found on the NSW Health website. 

For non-crisis support, please talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional. You can also call Beyond Blue for mental health advice and support on 1300 22 4636.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We have initiated a mental health disaster response in the wake of the horrific incident in Bondi, providing mobile mental health clinicians in the local community.

“As we move past the immediate aftermath of this devastating event, I want to encourage anyone who is feeling distressed, anxious, or angry, to please seek support.

“We have stepped up support with more resources for our existing mental health care services, to ensure help is freely available to anyone who wants it.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“What happened in Bondi has shaken so many people right across Sydney and New South Wales.

“Whether you were there, know someone who was, or you’re feeling distressed by what you’ve seen online and in the news, it’s ok to not be ok.

“We are making free support available to anyone who needs it through our dedicated team of mental health clinicians in Bondi and Coogee, and boosting resources for existing services like headspace, Safe Haven, NSW Health’s Mental Health Line, or Lifeline.”

NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright:

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died and were injured at Bondi Beach.

“It is really important people be mindful about taking care of their mental health over the coming days and weeks following this traumatic event.

“Everyone deals with serious trauma differently and processes in their own way. A range of feelings are a normal part of processing a trauma, so don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re going through.

“We strongly encourage anyone who needs help to please reach out for it. We have mental health clinicians in the Bondi community ready to help and a range of mental health supports available if you call NSW Health’s 24/7 dedicated Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.”

Tonight, I made the decision to light the Sydney Opera House with candles on the Menorah, marking the second day of Chanukah.

In the wake of this horrific attack, it is more important than ever that the Jewish community in NSW knows they do not stand alone.

We cannot, and we will not allow Jewish Australians to feel they must hide their faith, their traditions, their religious celebrations or their identity.

Lighting the Opera House is a simple but powerful gesture: a message to the world that we cherish our Jewish community, that we honour their courage, and that we stand with them in solidarity and love.

Tonight, those candles are a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even in darkness, we choose to stand with one another.

Addressing the General Meeting of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Board in Canberra today, ACN President Kath Stein FACN offered condolences to all victims of the tragic terror event at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.

Ms Stein said Australia’s nurses support the families of all those affected by the shooting and its aftermath and stand with Australia’s Jewish community during this period of grieving and recovery.

On behalf of the ACN Board and our members, I praise the nurses and their colleagues who are working around the clock caring for the innocent victims and the first responders who were injured in the attack,” Ms Stein said.

ACN also acknowledges the bravery and professionalism of the ambulance personnel, paramedics, doctors, police, lifesavers, and other health professionals who gave their all during and after this horrific attack.

There were local heroes, too – members of the local Jewish community and members of the public who put themselves in danger to help others.

There will be many others with injuries and trauma that we cannot see.

The nursing profession is here to care for everyone affected. It is important that we all care for ourselves and each other,” Ms Stein said.

People hoping to welcome a four-legged friend to the family this Christmas are being encouraged to adopt from council pounds and shelters to give dogs and cats in need a loving furr-ever home.

Pets are part of the family in thousands of NSW households, with over 78,000 dogs and 37,000 cats registered across the state this year alone.

But for those animals that don’t have a home, adopting from a council pound or rehoming organisation rather than buying from a breeder or pet shop, gives them a second chance at life. 

In the year ending 30 June 2025, 5,043 cats and 4,301 dogs were adopted from council pounds, up more than 10 per cent on the previous year.

Adopting takes pressure off animal rehoming organisations, many of which are run solely by volunteers who give their time to care for some of the most vulnerable animals in the state.

The Minns Government is providing a much needed boost to animal rehoming organisations committing $6 million in funding over the next four years to help these organisations continue caring and rehoming animals across NSW.

This funding complements further work the NSW Government is doing in this space including the first comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act in more than 20 years. The Minns Labor Government has also banned puppy framing in NSW, with tougher laws for dog breeders coming into effect on 1 December this year.

To adopt a pet contact your local council for information on council pounds, or visit an approved rehoming organisation (PDF 207.52KB).

Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure their dog and cats are microchipped and registered on the NSW Digital Pet Registry. Registration is free-of-charge for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“It’s fantastic to see an increase in the number of pets adopted from council pounds over the last year.

“While this makes a huge difference, there are still so many loving dogs and cats waiting for a family and a home to call their own this Christmas.

“Adopting a pet doesn’t just change their life, it can change yours. Pets bring love and companionship and are cherished members of the family in so many NSW households.

“I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about welcoming a pet to the family this Christmas to contact their local council or find their nearest rehoming centre.

“Bringing a pet home is a long-term commitment so it’s important anyone who is thinking of adopting understands this responsibility and is ready to provide the love and care their new pet needs.”

Animal Welfare League NSW Acting CEO Mark Seymour said:

“The Animal Welfare League NSW supports the Minister’s call to adopt rather than shop this Christmas.

“Every year we see how life-changing adoption can be, both for the animal and the family who welcomes them home.

“In 2024/25, Animal Welfare League NSW helped rehome more than 3,500 cats and dogs across New South Wales. Every one of those animals deserved a second chance, and thousands more across the state are still waiting for theirs.

“Choosing adoption eases pressure on local shelters and pounds, keeps vulnerable animals safe, and gives families a loyal companion who will bring years of love and joy.

“We encourage anyone considering a pet this Christmas to visit their local shelter and give a rescue animal the home they deserve.”