A survivor and a 17-year-old local stood together at Port Arthur on Tuesday to mark 30 years since the tragedy of April 28, 1996, choosing love and community as the guiding themes of the memorial.
About 100 people gathered in the Memorial Garden for the service, titled Words of Love.
Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority chief executive Will Flamsteed welcomed guests and said the day was shaped by the community itself.
“The connection that binds us will be a strength and support as we remember and reflect on this important anniversary,” Flamsteed said.
Survivor Jane Scholefield, who hid in the penitentiary building during the shooting, told the crowd healing was slow but real.
“Healing takes time and it looks different for each of us,” Scholefield said.
She paid tribute to first responders. “You ran towards danger when others were trying to escape it,” she said.
“You cared for the injured, comforted the grieving and helped carry a burden that no one should ever have to bear. Your actions will never be forgotten.”
Scholefield said something powerful had emerged from the tragedy, pointing to Australia’s gun law reforms and the ongoing work of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in protecting children.
“Love is stronger than hatred, it is stronger than fear, it is stronger than evil,” she said.
“Love is what helps us endure, what keeps us real and what helps us move forward together.”
Local teenager Billy, who has lived all 17 years of his life on the Tasman Peninsula, spoke about growing up in Nubeena and the strength of his community.
“I can easily say that together, as one large embodiment, the community on the peninsula will never be broken,” he said.
“The next generation is bright and strong. The community that we all know and love will only ever grow bigger and bigger, opening its warm hands to anyone and everyone.”
The Peninsula Singers performed Always Remember, written for the 20th anniversary, and Stand By Me to close.
Flamsteed read the names of the 35 people who died and acknowledged the 23 others injured. A minute’s silence was held at 1:30pm.
Guests laid wreaths at the Memorial Cross and were invited to write their own words of love on paper gum leaves for a commemorative sculpture that will remain in place for 10 days.
The messages will then be shared on a memorial webpage so the wider community can take part.
