Hundreds at Vic Bali memorial

12 Oct 2012, 1:06 pm   -   Source: AAP
Politicians, families and friends of the Bali bombing victims have joined a service in Melbourne. (AAP)

Politicians, families and friends of the Bali bombing victims have joined a service in Melbourne. (AAP)

Families and friends of the Bali bombing victims have joined politicians and religious leaders at a multi-faith service in Melbourne.

Mourners clutched each other for support, holding flowers and fighting back tears at a Bali bombing memorial service attended by hundreds in Melbourne.

Families and friends of those killed, politicians and religious figures came together at the multi-faith service at Victoria's Parliament House on Friday.

Clerics of almost every denomination prayed for peace as Victoria's political leaders reflected on the 10-year anniversary of the 2002 attacks that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

A single wreath adorned the front of parliament's Queen's Hall as the solemn tones of the Salvation Army's brass band greeted mourners filtering into the dimly lit hall.

Premier Ted Baillieu said the tragedy rocked the nation.

"We remember that moment when those happily on holiday ... were suddenly victims of unspeakable terrorist attacks, unprovoked and deadly," he said.

Mr Baillieu said the tragedy was met with a compassionate response from Victorians who had inundated the front of Parliament House with flowers.

"It was a flower bed of love," he said.

The bombing, which had been aimed at dividing, had brought Australians together, Mr Baillieu said.

"We must never forget what was meant to shatter us strengthened us," he said.

MC Ian Henderson said many of those killed were local people and holidaymakers drawn to the beauty of Bali and its friendly people.

He paid respect to the 22 Victorians who never came home, before reading out their names.

Two high school bellringers tolled a bell for each before singer Bridget Davies performed a haunting rendition of Amazing Grace.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the attacks were the product of a lonely ideology.

"We offer lasting condolences to those who mourn," Mr Andrews said.

"May we console them in their grief and may we honour always the memories of those they lost."

Religious leaders also offered words of comfort.

"May the loss ... inspire us to be healers in a broken world and be peacemakers whatever the cost," Reverend Dr Hugh Kempster said.

Pandit Abhay Awasthi asked for God to bless the families of those injured and give them strength, before chanting Om Shanti, a Hindu prayer of peace.

Rabbi Ralph Genende commended the brave medical professionals who came to the assistance of the wounded.

"They carry with them the gratitude of a grieving nation," he said.

"When we were exposed to the worst of humanity they represented the best of humanity."

Muslim leader Sheikh Abdi Nur Weli offered a Quranic prayer and asked for comfort for those grieving.

Mourners then trickled outside in the rain to offer flowers at a Bali memorial garden next to Parliament House.

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