Port Arthur Survivor Returns With Her Gift Of Song

The Age

Wednesday April 5, 2006

By ANDREW DARBY

THE last time Amelia Farrugia was at Port Arthur, she was hiding in terror as Martin Bryant committed Australia's worst mass shooting.

This time, at a 10th anniversary service, Ms Farrugia will be offering her precious, full-coloured soprano voice as a gift to the victims and survivors.

Many people are expected to return to the Tasmanian convict-era historic site on April 28 for the first time since the tragedy. Ms Farrugia, a Sydney-born international opera singer, encourages others to come too.

"I was very fortunate," she recalled. "I was with a group who left the Broad Arrow Cafe nine minutes before he started shooting. We went up to the old church, and we heard gunfire. We thought it was a re-enactment but we soon established it was real; a terrible experience."

Ms Farrugia and her Opera Australia friends ran and hid for hours in the ruins of the convict penitentiary until police called them out to safety. "We were fortunate that we didn't see the carnage of the day," she said.

Since then, the 1996 NSW Young Achiever of the Year has embraced an operatic career, singing with Opera Australia, the Glyndebourne Opera in Britain, and travelling the world.

"I certainly came away from that day feeling that I am truly blessed to be living this life," Ms Farrugia said. "Unfortunately some times things go wrong, and we need to pull together for other people, to try to bring them happiness."

This is likely to be the last formal anniversary commemoration at the site, according to organisers. "It is 10 years, and time we moved forward," said Port Arthur community recovery co-ordinator Ed Gauden.

Ms Farrugia said she would encourage everyone who feels part of the event in some way to come. "Or even if they just want to pay their respects, to show support and love for each other. I have spoken to other people who went back for the first time, and they say it is a good way to find completion."

Ms Farrugia's choice is Pie Jesu, a Latin prayer of forgiveness put to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. In translation it reads:Merciful JesusWho takes away the sins of the worldGrant them rest. Lamb of GodGrant them everlasting rest.

© 2006 The Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home