I rise today to acknowledge the solemn occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Bali bombings, a terrible act of terror that claimed 20 innocent lives, including three beloved members of our own Newcastle community: Jennifer Williamson, and Colin and Fiona Zwolinski.

Their loss continues to be felt deeply by their families, their friends and, indeed, all of us who call Newcastle home. That's why Novocastrians gathered for a moving memorial service at Bar Beach last week to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. Anniversaries such as this one remind us that grief does not always diminish with time. For the families of Jennifer, Colin and Fiona, and all of those who lost a loved one that day or continue to live with injury or trauma, the pain is ongoing, but so too is the strength of our community's resolve to come together, to remember and to honour.

I was devastated to be unable to attend the memorial service in person, but I want to thank my friend and colleague, who joins me in the chamber today, the Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, for his attendance, which I know meant a lot to my community. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, the former member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson, for her thoughtful actions and compassionate response 20 years ago, when our community was forced to face squarely the shocking consequences of terrorism. I know that Sharon's presence at the memorial service was very much appreciated.

I'm struck by the courage of the survivors and families who continue to share their stories, keeping alive the memory of those we lost and reminding us of the enduring power of love and resilience in the face of terror. Their words were not only an act of remembrance but also a gift to the rest of us, teaching us about courage, perseverance and the unbreakable bonds of community.

It is fitting that the Australian government has now committed to establishing a new permanent memorial, ensuring that the memory of the victims of the 2005 Bali bombings will be forever honoured. This will not only be a place of quiet reflection but also a national marker of our collective grief and our determination to stand firm against the forces of hatred and terror. It is only right that these plans be developed in close consultation with survivors and families of the victims so that it can stand as a place of quiet reflection, of remembrance and of learning for future generations.

Newcastle will never forget Jennifer, Colin and Fiona. We honour their lies and stand alongside their families. In doing so, we recommit ourselves to building a world defined not by hate and violence but by peace, compassion and enduring strength of community. That is the best way we can honour the lives lost—by ensuring that love and unity have the final word.