Images of death and debris still haunt the memory of families who lost loved ones in the Bali bombings two decades ago.
The nation is commemorating the more than 200 people killed - including 88 Australians - when terrorists detonated bombs near popular nightclubs in Kuta on October 12, 2002.
Dale Atkin was one of the more than 200 wounded and the journey back has pushed him to his limits.
What should've been a carefree night at the Sari Club ended with burns to almost half his body.
The burns were half a cricket ball deep, and his chances of survival slim.
The roof of the Bali hut collapsed on him and and his friends, forcing them to crawl out surrounded by fire and debris.
"I will always pay my respects to the people who died however it could have been much worse," said Mr Atkin, who is now aged 47.
It took him more than a decade to finally see a counsellor and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
He was also plagued by survivor's guilt.
"I wasn't fine. I could tell you where every single flame was in detail as I was reliving it every day," he said.
His wife Katie and three children became the motivation he needed to pull himself from the depths of despair.
Two decades on, he's still encouraging others affected by the traumatic event to speak up and get the help they need.
"I want everyone to know there's no shame in it," Mr Atkin said.
Commemorative services will take place across the nation for the anniversary.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend a memorial at the Coogee Dolphins rugby league club in Sydney, from which 11 players travelled to Bali but only five made it home.
A memorial service will be held at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, with Australian flags expected to be flown at half mast across the country.
A twilight service will be held at Allambe Memorial Park on the Gold Coast, which features a bronze plaque with the names of the 88 slain Australians.
Among those names is Robert Thwaites, whose parents initiated the Indonesian-style memorial after their son was killed in the bombings.
His father Geoff said the memory has become no easier, 20 years on.
"Bob was 25. He had a bright future ahead of him," he said.
"It doesn't change how you feel but time gets away from you."
© AAP 2022