Relatives of those killed in last year's Bali bombings have gathered for emotional services both here and in Bali to mark the first anniversary of the attacks. Isaac Zwolinski, 18, and his younger brother Ben, 16, of Newcastle, were among more than 40 Australians who made the difficult decision to return to Bali for a memorial service one year on.The solemn proceeding, amid tight security on the lawn of the beachside Intercontinental Hotel overlooking the now largely deserted Jimbaran Bay, included a message sent from Prime Minister John Howard expressing the deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the nation.
Also today, relatives of those killed in the bombings gathered for an emotional memorial service in Newcastle. Nine Newcastle families, who were holidaying in Bali at the time, were caught up in the blasts, and three of the four Australians killed in the attacks were from the city.