Held annually at Dolphins Point in Coogee, the Bali Commemoration Ceremony drew a crowd of approximately 1000 people this year on the 20th anniversary of the Bali Bombing attack. Remembering the 202 people and 88 Australians lost on that day was top of mind for all who attended, especially the families and friends who have gathered together on this day, in this place, for the past two decades.

"The Bali Commemoration is a special event for our area. It gives our community a moment to pause, to reflect and to honour those who are lost. It is a reminder to hold your loved ones close and to squeeze them just that little bit harder when you see them next," said Mayor Dylan Parker.

To show their support for the families, friends and survivors, guests at the ceremony included:

• The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minster of Australia
• The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Leader of the Opposition
• The Hon Dominic Perrottet, MP Premier of New South Wales
• Mr. Chris Minns MP, Leader of the NSW Opposition
• Member for Kingsford Smith, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
• Member for Coogee, Dr. Marjorie O’Neill MP
• Member for Maroubra, Mr Michael Daley MP
• The Indonesian Consul-General, Mr. Vedi Kurnia Buana
• Councillor Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick
• Other federal and local government representatives attended.

The crowd held umbrellas and wore rain ponchos as they stood or sat quietly and listened to the speakers, who acknowledged the devastating loss of lives and the pain that can accompany a milestone event such as a twenty year anniversary.

There is something about the traditions associated with this annual event that make it special. Speeches are made, songs are sung, family and friends lay Gerbera daisies under the Bali memorial, and 88 doves are released to represent the 88 lives lost in the attack.

"This day belongs to the survivors, it belongs to the 202 people whose lives were taken, including 88 Australians, almost half of them from here in NSW. It belongs to the families and friends who are here today to mourn. It belongs to the first responders and those who helped in the aftermath," said Dominic Perrottet, Premier of New South Wales.

"That night, the terrorists could not achieve their aim...they struck at the idea of us, the great fabric of dreams and ideals and compassion and fairness that make us who we are...In the end, they reminded us of what is so important to us. And to not take for granted what we have built and nurtured over generations. They sought to create terror. But people ran towards the terror, to do what they could for friend and stranger alike. Because what drove them was a higher, more human instinct than those who
attacked them. 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. No terrorist can take this from us," said Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minster of Australia.

Dolphins point was built as a place to reflect, a place for the family and friends to visit and remember their loved ones. "From the plaques to the sculpture, to the stunning scenery of our coastline, this memorial is an invitation for all of us to remember, and that is our duty," said the Premier.

The overwhelming message of the day was clear: our community will never forget those whose lives were cut too short by this senseless attack. When speaking to the family and friends, Mayor Dylan Parker said: "We care for you and your loved ones are not forgotten - you belong here."

The Bali memorial sculpture by artist Sasha Reid at Dolphins Point, depicts three interlinked cast-bronze shapes, symbolising family, friends and community. Nearby is the Place of Reflection, a sandstone wall and plaque dedicated to the 43 people from New South Wales who died in the bombings and one Tasmanian, whose family have grieved with our Community for the past 20 years alongside our local families.

This year, a sand sculpture was built at the northern end of  Coogee beach, depicting two hands cradling a dove, symbolising peace and unity.

The ceremony was live-streamed through Council's Facebook page and picked up by news services around the country. The livestream is available to watch on YouTube.

The families and friends who've been impacted by the attack - those that lost loved ones, those that survived and those that grieved, are part of our City and as a Council, we will continue to support them. This event shows the strength of our community spirit and the compassion that exists here in Randwick City. We will never forget those whose lives were cut short and we will always be here for those who were left behind.