On this day, 20 years ago, Tasmania and Australia changed forever.
Today, we remember the 35 people who lost their lives at Port Arthur, and pray for their families and loved ones.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, 23 people whose lives were so dreadfully affected.
What happened that day should never define us. It is the way we responded that should.
We were grieving. We were in shock. Yet we united to support one another with compassion, empathy and resolve.
The response from our emergency services was immediate. Many were locals, and they were steadfast and courageous in their assistance or treatment, often of people they knew.
There was unity across all sides of politics, nationwide, with a commitment to act to ensure this would not happen again.
Instead of cowering, we responded with strength, making significant and lasting changes.
This was epitomised in the actions of a man who lost more than anyone else that day.
Walter Mikac’s wife Nanette, and two daughters Alannah, aged six, and Madeline, only three, were killed that Sunday at Port Arthur.
Only recently, Walter reflected on that day and said: “There were only two good things that come out of the Port Arthur tragedy, the Foundation and gun laws reforms.”
Our concept of gun ownership and gun control was challenged unlike ever before.
In response, Australia answered with tough gun laws, arguably the toughest in the world.
They are laws that continue to protect us and our way of life today.
It’s a fact, there’s been no mass shooting here since, while it continues to be an all too familiar headline elsewhere.
Our instinct to do everything possible to protect our children also intensified.
In his grief, Walter established the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, with the help of other survivors.
The foundation’s mission is to care for children who have experienced violence, reduce bullying and advocate for the safety of children.
It continues to help hundreds of children and families across Australia and Tasmania today.
As we reflect on today’s anniversary, each of us will have our own memories.
We will experience different emotions, and old wounds may open, while for others those wounds may have never healed.
But as we look back on our past, I trust we can all find some hope.
From one of our state’s darkest chapters, we have become a stronger and safer place.