Pharmacist support and resources – Bondi Beach incident

In the wake of the Bondi Beach tragedy in December the role of pharmacists in supporting families and community is critical and deeply valued and people may continue to be impacted for some time.

Supporting patients experiencing distress

• Pharmacists should refer patients to their GP if they are experiencing distress.
• It may be beneficial for pharmacists to have proactive discussions with patients who are taking medications for mental health or anxiety, to ensure they are aware of available support services and have a current mental health care plan in place.
• Further information about trauma: Lifeline Trauma Support Techniques
• Encourage contact with trusted family or friends and patient’s GP.
• Link people into appropriate services: Share this list of supports being offered in response to the incident: Mental health and counselling services
• Young people impacted can access mental health care in-person at:
  • headspace Bondi Junction at 20 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday – Thursday, and 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Friday.
• Support for families: Kids helpline and headspace offer supports for children, young people and families: Dealing with trauma and Seeing scary stuff in the news|Kids Helpline
• Update your pharmacy website to include resources for patients seeking support 
• Urgent care centres are free for Medicare card holders.
• Attend CESPHN’s upcoming online event on 17 February 2026: Trauma informed support for health professionals. This session will explore the emotional and psychological impacts consumers, patients and communities may experience in the weeks and months following the Bondi terrorist attack, and will equip health professionals with practical, trauma‑informed strategies to provide effective support.
• More information is available on HealthPathways: these pages will be continuously updated as more services and resources become available.
• For further information: Mental Health First Aid Guidelines
• Importantly, ensure you are looking after your own well-being, you could also be experiencing trauma. Talk with colleagues, use mental health support services, access Pharmacists’ Support Services. Guild members can access free counselling through the Guild’s EAP or call the Guild directly on (02) 9467 7100. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW branch.