The NSW Small Business Commission is working closely with other government agencies and organisations to provide support to small businesses in Bondi and surrounds who impacted by the Bondi terror attack on Sunday 14 December 2025.
The NSW Small Business Commission provides practical guidance and assistance to small businesses navigating disruption, understanding their rights, and resolving disputes and issues arising from the Bondi terror attack.
Personalised support for your business
A support package has also been made available, including financial and victim support services and other targeted help for small business and the community. This includes a grant up to $25,000 for impacted small businesses in the immediate vicinity to the attack together with consideration for exceptional circumstances where businesses may be outside the immediate vicinity and impacted by the attack.
Service NSW Business Bureau
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides tailored, one-on-one support for businesses, including help with:
- applying for the Small Business Support Grant – Bondi Beach December 2025
- information on mental health resources for you and your employees
- accessing government programs and services.
The Business Concierge team is available for in-person appointments or over the phone.
Get support in the way that suits you:
- Phone: 13 77 88
- Web: to book a call visit service.nsw.gov.au/business
- Book an in‑person appointment: book.service.nsw.gov.au/services/business-bureau/landing
NSW Small Business Commission
The NSW Small Business Commission is here to help small businesses navigate disruption and resolve issues arising from the Bondi terrorism attack.
Contact the NSW Small Business Commission:
- Phone: 1300 795 534 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday
- Lodge an online enquiry: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/contact-us#enquiry-form
- Web: www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au
Mental Health support for small businesses
-
24/7 mental health support
Lifeline Crisis support
Phone: 13 11 14
Bondi Beach Attack: Wellbeing support guide: www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/support-toolkit/techniques-and-guides/bondi-beach-incident-wellbeing-support-guide
Lifeline Bondi Support Hub: https://pages.lifelinedirect.org.au/bondi-support-hub?hsCtaAttrib=272129173957
NSW Health’s Mental Health Line
Phone: 1800 011 511
Mental health at work: https://www.nsw.gov.au/employment/mental-health-at-work
Beyond Blue support
Phone: 03 9250 8305
Web chat: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
Web: www.beyondblue.org.au/beyond-blue-stands-with-bondi
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business is a free, confidential mental health coaching program, designed to help small business owners and sole traders manage stress, worry and overwhelm.
The program provides a free and confidential 6-week mental health coaching program for small business owners.
Web: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/small-business-owners
Insurance
-
What you need to know
The Australian Government has taken steps to support businesses affected by the incident.
The Commonwealth Treasurer has declared the Bondi attack a Declared Terrorism Incident (DTI) under the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003.
This declaration activates the Terrorism Reinsurance Pool (TRP) and overrides terrorism exclusion clauses in eligible insurance policies covering commercial property damage, business continuity/disruption and public liability.
This means impacted businesses may be able to claim damage and losses, in line with their policy terms and conditions and regardless of any exclusions for terrorism events.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has also declared the incident a Significant Event, prioritising insurer response and claims handling.
-
What you should do
- Contact your insurer or insurance broker as soon as possible to understand what you may be able to claim.
- More information on eligibility is available from the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) Terrorism Pool Consumers - ARPC
- A guide to making insurance claims is available here: Guide to making insurance claims | NSW Small Business Commissioner
-
Record keeping
Good records will support insurance claims, grant applications and negotiations. Keep copies of:
- insurance policies and correspondence
- photos and evidence of damage or loss
- records of business closure or reduced trading invoices, receipts and additional costs
- correspondence with landlords, suppliers and insurers
Leasing issues
-
Rent
Many businesses are concerned about meeting rent obligations following disruption or closure.
- If your turnover has been impacted by the incident and you are unable to meet rent obligations, early action is critical.
- If rent is overdue, landlords may issue an arrears notice and, in some circumstances, take steps to terminate a lease.
- The NSW Small Business Commission can help you understand your lease and your options.
-
If you have a retail or commercial lease
Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, explaining the impact on your business.
Review your lease for:
- rent payment obligations
- rent abatement or rent relief clauses
- repair responsibilities
- provisions dealing with business interruption or restricted access
Retail leases are covered by the Retail Leases Act 1994, which sets out key rights and obligations for both landlords and tenants.
Mediation and dispute resolution
-
How the Commission can help
The NSW Small Business Commission provides low-cost, independent mediation to help resolve disputes early and avoid issues escalating. Mediation can assist with issues such as:
- rent arrears or rent relief discussions
- disputes with landlords
- unpaid or disputed supplier invoices
- contract and cashflow pressures
If you are experiencing a dispute or anticipate one, contact the Commission early for guidance and support.
