Australia pays its respects on the 20th anniversary of the Port Arthur tragedy

AUSTRALIA has remembered the lives lost and those forever changed in the tragedy at Port Arthur 20 years ago.

AUSTRALIA has remembered the lives lost and those forever changed in the tragedy at Port Arthur 20 years ago.

At the historic site, about 500 family, friends, staff and community members attended an emotional service yesterday to commemorate those who died or were injured, those who grieve and those who ­responded to the nation’s worst mass shooting and its ­aftermath.

The morning rain stopped as the service started, a still and calm fell over the mist-­shrouded valley fringed by autumnal trees where a community gathered to reflect and remember.

Among those present were Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife, Lucy, State Governor Kate Warner and her husband, Richard, Premier Will Hodgman and wife Nicola, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and former prime minister John Howard as well as state, federal and local government representatives.

The sound of a lone piper echoed gently from the surrounding hills as the official party placed wreaths at the memorial built on the site where many of the victims died.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy place a wreath during the 20th anniversary commemoration service. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Yesterday’s anniversary was commemorated at Port Arthur and at churches in Melbourne and Hobart, and in the hearts of those who remember to this day where they were two decades ago when they heard the terrible news that 35 people were dead and 23 ­injured.

Some mourned in private, the pain is still too raw, their grief too much, as acknowledged Port Arthur board chairwoman Sharon Sullivan.

“There are some people who have come back today to Port Arthur for the first time in 20 years,” Ms Sullivan said.

“This journey for many is not an easy one – we also understand that there are some people who cannot ­return to this site and never will.”

Family and community members lay 35 floral tributes in the Memorial Pool to remember the victims. Picture: GETTY

Mr Turnbull told the service so many people had been ­affected deeply by the loss of loved ones.

“They were husbands and wives, mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grand­fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters – all so beloved,” he said.

“Each is missed and each is always remembered.

“We reflect on what might have been and on the dreams that were never fulfilled.

“There is a true sorrow of missing. It is not just the daily absence in your life and in your milestones; it is the absence of their milestones: their birthdays, their graduations, their anniversaries, their first job, their first kiss, their first child, their first grandchild.

“The ripple in the pond from the loss of just one life is profound. The effect of so many lives lost sent shock waves throughout this nation.”

He said the nation vowed, after the terror of Port ­Arthur, such events could never be allowed to happen again and the National Firearms Agreement which had been forged in its wake was a moment of which all could be proud.

“That action ... is now held up around the world as an exemplar of a society refusing to relinquish control of its peace-loving existence,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Twenty years on we realise then that from the heartbreak and the grief of this tragedy has risen a legacy of a freer, safer nation.”

Amelia Farrugia sings Ave Maria during the commemoration service. Picture: GETTY

Mr Hodgman said for many people, the pain of 20 years ago was still close and real.

“While many wounds have healed with time, there are others that will never,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Today is also a time when we again look to find sense in the senseless.”

Professor Warner recognised the depths of pain that existed within the ­community.

“For many, the pain and ­anguish will never end,” she said.

The commemorations featured prayer and song, Bible readings and the placing of 35 floral tributes on the memorial pool. A minute’s silence was ­observed as the sun broke through the cloud.

Mr Howard reflected on the lasting impact of the tragedy, which happened only two months into his first term.

“I continue to feel sorry for the people who lost their lives and the families of those who were killed,” he said. “They are the people we should think about most on a day like this.”

The 35 candles that were lit at the service at St David’s Cathedral. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

In Hobart, the bell of St David’s Cathedral tolled for each of the victims. The church was a sanctuary for many in the wake of the tragedy.

Anglican Dean of Hobart Richard Humphrey said people were divided about commemorations of an event which affected so many, so profoundly.

“Some people have told us we are not doing enough, some have said it is a travesty that we are doing anything at all and others have said it’s great but they won’t be attending,” Mr Humphrey said.

“But this is a day for those whose lives can never be the same, those who are bereaved and those who live with the consequences of that act.”

— additional reporting PATRICK BILLINGS and JENNIFER CRAWLEY