Bali bombings 20th anniversary: Sydney pays tribute to victims at Dolphins Point, Coogee
More than 1000 mourners gathered at the Bali Memorial in Coogee to remember the 88 Australians lost 20 years on from the horrific Bali bombings which rocked the country.
Southern Courier
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A buzzing 28-year-old Ben Roberts hopped into a taxi with his five mates exactly two decades ago, having just played against his former Sydney team in the Bali Tens rugby tournament.
None of those men got to play another game.
They were among the 88 Australians honoured at the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings — a tragedy which killed 202 people and sent shockwaves across the country.
More than 1000 mourners turned up to pay tribute at a commemoration ceremony held annually since 2003 at Dolphins Point in Coogee, renamed in honour of the six members of the Coogee Dolphins football team who died in the 2002 bombing attack at the Sari Club in Kuta.
Rain did not damper the determination of loved ones to honour lives lost.
Mr Roberts’ mother, Jen Roberts, shared her lasting pain from losing her son who helped save others in the attacks before dying on November 7 after weeks spent in a coma.
“Grief comes in waves — it’s like the sea out here. Grief left me weak at the knees. I existed but was not present for two years,” Ms Roberts said.
“What helps? The simple routines of life. Having the dog that gets you up and makes you go for a walk. People giving you hugs and just being there. Sewing, singing and swimming.”
Those at the ceremony were handed flowers at the entrance. They clutched them tightly as they hugged and consoled each other, dropped their heads in sorrow and wiped tears from their eyes.
They sat or stood in the rain next to the The Bali Statue, weighing nearly one tonne and featuring three linked figures to symbolise family, friends and community bowed in sorrow and remembrance. They also represent life, growth, hope and our strength in unity.
Paul Yeo lost his then-20-year-old brother, Gerard, in the attack. He recalled how, in the weeks after his brother’s death, he instinctively walked into his room to wake him for his plumber’s job.
“Those few moments definitely have an effect, but lives rolled on,” he said. “Joseph (Paul’s son) was born six weeks after Bali. He’s here today and he reminds me of Gez in so many ways.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he will remember the “stolen futures” of those who died, including “every conversation never had” and “every moment of love never known”.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said many people remember the day of the bombings, but he can’t imagine what it would feel like for bereaved family members.
“With that passage of time we hope the burden of grief is easier to bear,” he said to the crowd.
“From its plaques to its sculpture to the scenic coastline, this memorial is for all to remember. We owe it to those who lost their lives, and to the many heroic men and women who rushed to help — ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.
As some mourners attended the ceremony annually without fail, others found it too difficult to attend every year, Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said in his speech.
“Your loved ones matter and they will continue to matter,” he said. “The Bali memorial is a reminder to hold your loved ones close and squeeze them a little bit harder”.
Speaking separately to the Southern Courier, Cr Parker said the turnout was the biggest he’d seen, and that inclement weather could not deter the crowds.
Following the speeches, the names of all NSW and Tasmania victims were read out before a minute’s silence.
The commemorations finished with the release of 88 white doves to represent each Australian taken too soon, flower laying and morning tea.
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