Bali Remembrance Walk
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES [9.52 p.m.]: A coalition of Christian and community organisations co-ordinated a Bali remembrance walk on Sunday October 12, in which more than 200 participants from a variety of denominations carried miniature white crosses through the streets of Sydney, from the Domain to Hyde Park. Led by Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile, myself, a group of Coptic clergy, with Bishop Daniel in the lead, and accompanied by other clergy and church representatives, our group carried a large banner. The Hon. Elaine Nile broadcast from a truck that carried banners explaining the purpose of our walk and inviting people to accompany us in solidarity with those affected by the Bali bombing 12 months previously. We walked along the footpaths, amongst the ordinary people, in a joint venture to show compassion to the victims of the 12 October 2002 Bali bombing and their relatives.
In Sydney’s Hyde Park, near the Pool of Remembrance, more than 400 people gathered for a Bali remembrance service, led by Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile as the master of ceremonies. The guest of honour was the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, who presented an opening statement in which she referred to the bombing victims and commented: “Surely no day passes when we do not remember and contemplate the impact upon their loved ones, upon our nation and indeed upon the Island of the people of Bali.” Her Excellency acknowledged with gratitude the “local people of Bali; expatriate Australians; retrieval teams—doctors and nurses, counsellors and hospital staffs—all called ‘angels of mercy’ and now part of this nation’s history”. She called for Australians, young and free, to “work with our neighbours and beyond, to share our strength and to grow together in harmony and respect”.
The program included a welcome by Pastor Edmund Bagheri of the Persian Evangelical Anglican Church. Formerly Pastor Bagheri was a Muslim, but today he is a very successful Christian minister. An opening prayer was spoken by another Arabic speaker, Reverend John Nammour of the Guildford Arabic Baptist Church. A statement on behalf of Australians who came from Islamic countries was read by Bishop Daniel of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Bishop Daniel commented, “We are unable to prevent your grief and sorrow, but we are here to provide support and comfort—asking our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all consolation, to counsel you.” The Hon. Alan Cadman, MP, read a statement from Prime Minister John Howard, who sent an apology owing to the fact that he was in Bali. The Prime Minister’s statement read:
This terrible event has marked our national consciousness. Those who suffered were the target of these brutal criminals, not because of who they were, or anything they had done, but because they represent us all—our way of life.
It is right and proper that we come together as a nation to mourn those killed in this senseless act of violence. It is also a way of demonstrating our support to those who carry the burden of grief and injury. Today we honour their courage; their resilience, recognising that over this past painful year they have struggled to rebuild their lives and re-image their futures.
On behalf of the nation, I want to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the volunteers, these men and women, many of whom remain nameless, who exemplified what Australians value most—the willingness to get involved and to make a difference.
The Indonesian Consul-General, Hertomo Reksodiputro, paid tribute to “those who died, the many who were injured and all those who were affected by the tragedy in Australia, Indonesia and other countries”. Musical items, including the national anthem, were presented by Pastor Peter Rahme as song leader. Soloists Barry Garrett, Prudence Dunstone and Elizabeth Dilley delighted the crowd. Special guest soloist was Lauren Acheson, who travelled from Forbes. Honourable members will recall that a group of Forbes footballers perished in the Bali bombing. Lauren’s own song about them, The Chosen Ones, was dedicated to the memory of the victims of Bali.
An emotional atmosphere was evident when the Hon Elaine Nile read out the 88 names of Australians killed, and children of many nations lit candies and laid flowers in the form of a cross, under the direction of Reverend Brian Seers. I had the privilege of presenting a closing message in which I encouraged those present not to dwell constantly on the negative instead of the positive. I went on to say:
We should get better, not bitter. Bitterness eats at our heart, but getting better robs the terrorists of all satisfaction. That is why faith is always superior to fear.
We should serve—not dwell upon our suffering. Sojourners in Bali were shocked and horrified as they holidayed, but they immediately went to the hospitals and their service brought hope to the many who suffered.
Our response is a matter of our choice—not of chance! The Scriptures tell us to seek forgiveness; to get better and to serve. May God bless us as we do so. 15 October 2003.
