Family and loved ones of the Australians killed in the 2002 Bali bombings have wiped away tears as the nation pauses to commemorate the murders.
The 88 were among 202 people in total who perished when extremists detonated the blasts near popular nightclubs in Kuta on October 12, 20 years ago.
During a moving service at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, those left behind wrapped their arms around one another while political leaders and emergency workers who flew to Bali after the bombings, paid tribute.
Daisies and freesias were pinned on a wreath placed above a row of golden wattle lining the stage at the memorial.
John Howard, who was prime minister at the time of the killings, spoke of Australia and Indonesia's determination to bring those responsible to justice and of their partnership in the fight against terror forged in the aftermath of the attack.
Mr Howard said to describe the bombings as an act of terrorism wasn't strong enough. He labelled them a "brutal, villainous, murder".
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the bombers failed to divide the two nations and spoke of the courage and resolve brought out in both communities.
Ambassador to Australia Dr Siswo Pramono declared Indonesia's "unwavering commitment" to combating extremist violence
In Sydney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ache hadn't dimmed for Australians, describing the atrocities committed as malicious and depraved.
He attended a memorial at Dolphin's Point in Coogee, named in memory of the six players from the local Dolphins rugby league club who died in the tragedy.
"For most of us what happened on that fateful night is beyond imagining," he told those gathered.
"The sudden terrible light, followed by the sudden terrible darkness. The awful postscript of fire."
Many people's futures were stolen, while others would forever carry the scars of the attack, he said.
Among the victims were local workers, alongside Australians from sporting teams celebrating the end of their season - including members of the Kingsley Football Club, Southport Sharks, Dulwich Hill Newtown Basketball Club and Coogee Dolphins.
The terrorists failed in their aim because they struck at the very heart of the Australian identity - "the great fabric of dreams and ideals and compassion and fairness that make us who we are as Australians", Mr Albanese said.
"All the very worst of circumstances brought out the very best in people. It brought out compassion, selflessness, it brought out heroism.
"They struck at the joy of a free people."
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the anniversary would forever belong to the survivors, in whose honour 88 white doves were released into an overcast sky.
"Although all of us may remember that day - we cannot even begin to imagine what it feels like to you," he said.
Paul Yeo, whose brother Gerard died in the blast, said he continued to grieve.
He recalled one night running into Gerard's room, still believing he was alive.
Jan Roberts, whose son Ben was killed in the bombing, said mourning was a continual, painful process.
"Grief comes in waves. It's like the sea - out here," he said. "Sometimes the waves are huge and they knock you under, they knock you over.
"Everyone deals with grief in different ways. It left me weak at the knees and needing silence."
Commemorative services are taking take place across the nation, with Australian flags at half mast, while a service is also being held in Denpasar, Indonesia.
A twilight service will be conducted at Allambe Memorial Park on the Gold Coast, featuring a bronze plaque listing the names of the lost.
Among them are Robert Thwaites, whose parents initiated the Indonesian-style memorial after he 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.
© AAP 2022