Twenty years on from the Bali Bombings, memorial held in Coogee to remember victims
Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaking at a commemoration ceremony marking 20 years since the Bali Bombings. Photo: Reni Indrawan Photography /Randwick City Council
By ERIN MODARO
Sydney gathered at Coogee beach to remember the victims of the 2002 Bali Bombings on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack. Memorials constructed in Coogee have been an important spot for families and friends affected by the bombings, and many have been coming to the area since 2003 to commemorate those lost in the tragic event.
The ceremony is held annually at Dolphins Point, named after the 6 Coogee Dolphins Rugby League Club members who were killed in the bombings twenty years ago.
Eighty-eight doves were released at the commemoration ceremony on Wednesday, which was attended by both Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
“Twenty years on, the ache does not dim” Albanese said to the community gathered in Coogee.
“What the architects of this slaughter achieved was to make us reflect on what we most truly value – and to hold on to it more tightly than ever before.”
On October 12 2002, 202 people were killed after three bombs detonated at several locations across Bali. 88 of those who died in the attack were Australian, and 43 were from NSW.
“The victims of the Bali bombings must never be forgotten” said Randwick Mayor, Dylan Parker, who spoke at the memorial on Wednesday.
“Our community has come together every year to remember those lost and support families and friends left behind” Cr Parker said.
As a part of the commemoration, a large sculpture of joined hands was created in the sands at the north end of Coogee Beach. Several memorials have stood at the site on Dolphin Point, where Australian’s have payed their respects in the years since the bombings, including a sandstone wall dedicated to victims.
