For Novocastrian Joe Frost, it’s a chilling moment that will stay with him his entire life.
But, the well-respected media/communications specialist is now turning something terrible into a cathartic release.
He and the people of Newcastle who survived the 2005 Bali Bombing are sharing their stories in Forgotten Bombs: Bali 2005, a podcast made in the Hunter, by local talent.
Written, produced and presented by Mr Frost, the eight-part series is the definitive account of a terrorist attack that saw 20 people killed and more than 100 wounded.
Sadly, three of the fatalities – Jenny Williamson, Colin and Fiona Zwolinski – and 15 of those injured hailed from Newcastle.
As well as recounting his own experience – he was feet away from one of the bombs when it detonated – Mr Frost interviewed his fellow survivors and the families of the deceased.
Among the parties are former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was on holiday in Bali at the time; AFP Detective Superintendent David Craig who led the Aussie investigation into the bombings; and even a founding member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), the terror network broadly blamed for the incidents.
“What began as a story about survivors from Newcastle grew into a years-long investigation, as the seemingly simple question of ‘who did this?’ became far more complex and engrossing than I had ever imagined,” he said,
“It spanned the globe from Bali to Guantanamo Bay, Australia to Afghanistan.
“The podcast is still about survivors, but it’s also about how two university-educated fathers became the most wanted men in Indonesia.
“How they ran an international bombing campaign over the course of a decade that killed dozens and injured hundreds.
“How they managed to evade capture for years. How they convinced young men to sacrifice their very lives for this cause.
“And how, almost 20 years ago to the day, those men exploded into the lives of a group of innocent holidaymakers from Newcastle.”
THE 2005 ATTACKS
On 1 October 2005, three suicide bombers each targeted a restaurant in Bali – one in the heart of Kuta, two in the open-air setting of Jimbaran Beach.
In total, four Australians were killed, as well as a Japanese citizen and 15 Indonesians, while many more suffered life-changing injuries.
“I wanted to properly tell the survivors’ stories – not just the tragedy and the trauma, but also the experiences of bravery, mateship and even humour,” Mr Frost said.
“It was humbling to hear words of wisdom, compassion and forgiveness from people who have lost so much – be it their health, their livelihood or their loved ones’ lives.
“Learning in detail the depth of support we received was a real eye-opener, too.
“Interviewing both members of the AFP and Mr Abbott – who came to the hospital in Kuta the next day to offer his assistance – helped me to appreciate just how lucky we are to live in this country.”
A NEWCASTLE PRODUCTION
The credits for the series include original artwork by Bali 2005 survivor Aleta Lederwasch, music by Dan Flegg of local band BAAM BAM, and audio engineering by Elliot Beavis – all Newcastle natives.
“I cut my teeth in journalism as a radio producer, so I was confident in what I could do, but I also knew what I couldn’t do,” Mr Frost said.
“Luckily, I had some amazingly talented people to collaborate with.
“Aleta is an award-winning artist, whose most treasured gift when she was in hospital recovering from a devastating shrapnel injury was a set of pencils.
“She allowed me to use an excerpt of one of her pieces for the podcast cover art.
“The full painting, which is a self-portrait of Aleta embracing the bomber’s mother, is an incredibly moving work that can be seen in full on the 9.6 Digital website.
“Dan has been a mate for decades.
“So, I knew he had the musical talent to really elevate the storytelling.
“Dan was also my housemate back in 2005.
“He lived this whole thing alongside me.
“More than just his multi-instrumental skills, he understood – as few others could – the emotional resonance that was required.
“Elliot’s been making audio in this town sound awesome for years, working on such podcasts as The Joust and Newcastle Writers Festival.
“His technical expertise and enthusiasm for the project made him the obvious choice.”
The first two episodes are now live, with three more being published on 1 October – the 20th anniversary of the attacks – and the final to drop over the following weeks.
Listen to Forgotten Bombs: Bali 2005 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music or your preferred podcast platform.
Alternatively, check out the two-minute trailer on YouTube.
LOCAL COMMEMORATION
A memorial service, to be emceed by Mr Frost, will take place in Newcastle on 1 October to commemorate the 2005 Bali Bombing, which rocked the city 20 years ago.
Organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), survivors, their families and first responders are expected to join dignitaries at Edward Charles de Vos’ Park, next to Bar Beach car park, at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.
It’ll be followed by a reception for invited guests at the Cooks Hill Life Saving and Surf Club.
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