Key Points
- The nation is remembering the 202 people, including 88 Australians, killed in the Bali bombings.
- Mr Albanese attended a memorial at Dolphins Point, in the eastern Sydney suburb of Coogee
Two decades on from the Bali bombings, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the ache hasn't dimmed for Australians, describing the atrocities committed as malicious and depraved.
The nation is commemorating the 202 people killed - including 88 Australians - when extremists detonated bombs near popular nightclubs in Kuta on 12 October, 2002.
Images of death and debris still haunt the memories of families who lost loved ones.
Mr Albanese attended a memorial at Dolphins Point, in the eastern Sydney suburb of Coogee, which is named in memory of the six players from the Coogee Dolphins Rugby League Club who died in the blasts.
In an emotional speech, he said the attack had been a calculated one of malice and depravity, and 20 years had not dimmed the ache.
"For most of us, what happened on that fateful night is beyond imagining," he told the crowd on Wednesday.
"The sudden terrible light, followed by the sudden terrible darkness. The awful postscript of fire."
Many people's futures were stolen, while others would forever carry the scars of the attack, he said.
The terrorists failed in their aim because they struck at the very heart of the Australian identity - "the great fabric of dreams and ideals and compassion and fairness that make us who we are as Australians", Mr Albanese said.
"All the very worst of circumstances brought out the very best in people. It brought out compassion, selflessness, it brought out heroism.
"They struck at the joy of a free people."
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the terrorists who targeted the Sari Club failed in their goal to instil fear and create division.
"In the aftermath of the attack, we witnessed an outpouring of kindness, courage and hope for all Australians," he said.
The anniversary would forever belong to the survivors and first responders who helped in the aftermath of the bombing, Mr Perrottet said.
"Although all of us may remember that day - we cannot even begin to imagine what it feels like to you," he said.
(left to right) Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings at Coogee Beach on Wednesday. Source: AAP / Nikki Short
Hundreds of people gathered at Perth's Kings Park on Wednesday morning to commemorate the 16 Western Australians who died in the bombing.
"It's painful to think of the families, friends and communities that were robbed of their loved ones," Premier Mark McGowan said.
"Of the things not said, the years of memories yet to be made ... we know that survivors will continue to carry the burden of these acts, whether we can see it or not."
A memorial service also took place at Parliament House in Canberra and Australian flags are flying at half-mast across the country.
John Howard, who was prime minister at the time of the killings, spoke of Australia's and Indonesia's determination to bring those responsible to justice and of their partnership in the fight against terror forged in the aftermath of the attack.
Mr Howard said to describe the bombings as an act of terrorism wasn't strong enough. He labelled them a "brutal, villainous, murder".
A twilight service will be conducted at Allambe Memorial Park on Queensland's Gold Coast, featuring a bronze plaque listing the names of the 88 lost.
Among them are Robert Thwaites, whose parents initiated the Indonesian-style memorial after he was killed in the bombings.
His father Geoff said the memory has become no easier, 20 years on.
"Bob was 25. He had a bright future ahead of him," he said.
Jan Roberts, whose son Ben was killed in the bombing, said mourning was a continual, painful process.
"Grief comes in waves. It's like the sea - out here," he said. "Sometimes the waves are huge and they knock you under, they knock you over.
"Everyone deals with grief in different ways. It left me weak at the knees and needing silence."
