Bourke Street victim support and memorial

On 20 January 2017, tragedy struck in the heart of Melbourne. Innocent lives were lost, and families were devastated, due to a senseless act.

Victim support services

It's normal to have strong reactions after being involved in or witnessing a distressing or frightening event. There are many things you can do to cope with and recover from trauma. Find out more about recovery from trauma, including help for children, at the Better Health Channel.

Where to get help for trauma

  • Victim Support Helpline 1800 819 817
  • your doctor
  • mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker, with experience in treatment of PTSD
  • community health centre
  • Australian Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health 03 9035 5599
  • general telephone counselling services
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • GriefLine 1300 845 745
  • BeyondBlue 1300 224 636

Personal recovery in the months afterwards

Clinical and Consultant Psychologist David Younger talks about promoting personal recovery after the Bourke St tragedy.

Victims Support Agency

The Victims Support Agency has been the primary agency responsible for providing support to people affected by this incident. We encourage anyone impacted by this tragic event to call the Victim Support Helpline: 1800 819 817.

The Victims Support Agency will link you to the most appropriate counselling, rehabilitation, legal and financial support services.

Phone: 1800 819 817
Open: 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week
Text: 0427 767 891
Email: vsa@justice.vic.gov.au

Transport accident

The first thing you need to do is lodge a claim with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). It doesn't matter whose fault the accident was, the TAC will help you recover from your injuries and get your life back on track after an accident.

Find information on who can claim, how to claim with the TAC and how the TAC can help you if you've been in an accident.

Support for staff

Are you an injured worker? Follow the Worksafe Victoria worker journey to find out how to make a claim and what you can do to get back to work quicker.

Are you an employer? Follow the Worksafe Victoria employer journey to find out what to do if one of your workers gets injured, and how you can help them return to work.

Bourke Street Fund

The Bourke Street Fund has now closed. More than 4,000 people donated over $1.5 million.

The funds raised have been provided to bereaved families and those who were hospitalised as a result of the incident.

This includes funding for people’s immediate and longer-term care and support needs, including funeral costs, psychological support and care needs. People are also able to access support through the Transport Accident Commission, WorkSafe and other insurance schemes.

Bourke Street memorial

The Bourke Street memorial service was held on 20 January 2018.

Floral tributes

The Bourke Street collection of floral tributes left outside the GPO in Bourke Street Mall can be viewed privately at the State Library of Victoria by emailing manuscripts@slv.vic.gov.au or phoning Australiana Heritage Collections on 03 8664 7009.

Updated