Those who perished in the Bali bombings were also remembered in services across Australia.
Families and loved ones commemorated the fallen, and promised they would never be forgotten.
April Chan reports.
TRANSCRIPT
In Canberra this morning, politicians remembered the pain and confusion caused by the attack.
Julie Bishop, Deputy Opposition Leader: “We cannot comprehend the mindless cruelty, the cowardly extremism behind the attacks and rightly we demanded justice against the perpetrators.”
Senator Chris Evans, Tertiary Education Minister: “Australians will always remember the Bali bombings as the day terrorism came to Australia.”
Others talked of the healing already done and the might of the Australian spirit.
Quentin Bryce, Governor-General: “Our Australian spirit is strong, it is resilient. We have shown each other that in times of tragedy we can come together and unite.”
Elsewhere, almost 200 people gathered at dawn in Perth’s Kings Park to mark the anniversary.
Candles were lit for each of the 16 Western Australians who were killed in the bombings.
Attendees fondly remembered their loved ones in front of the stonewall of remembrance.
Kevin Clune, Celebrant: “Our unity reminds us that the senseless acts of ten years ago, cannot destroy love.”
A multi-faith service in Melbourne also attracted hundreds of people.
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu praised all those who helped in the difficult time following the tragedy.
Ted Baillieu, Vic. Premier: “This event rocked our nation, but even the worst of times bring out the best of Australians.”
In Sydney’s eastern suburb of Coogee, people gathered to remember loved ones.
The Coogee Bay Dolphins lost six team members in the attacks while on their end of season trip to Bali.
Barry O’Farrell, Premier of New South Wales: “They were a deadly reminder that the lifestyle and freedoms that we too often take for granted can’t always be relied upon.”
Another service will take place in Sydney tonight with a candlelight vigil at seven PM.
April Chan, QUT News.