The SIEV X: A Preventable Tragedy | Commemorating 353 Asylum Seekers Lives Lost
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 2 PM – 3:30 PM
2026 marks 25 years since the SIEV X tragedy and 20 years since the creation of the SIEV X Memorial. Join us to honour the lives of the 353 people died, to stand in solidarity with their loved ones, and to show support and compassion for refugees and people seeking asylum.
On 19 October, 2001, an Indonesian fishing boat, enroute to Australia, sunk with the death of 146 children, 142 women and 65 men, devastating their families and loved ones. The horror and grief felt in the Australian community, in contrast to the indifference of the Howard government, prompted a small group of Australians to rally schools, churches and community groups across the country to create and donate remembrance poles, adorned with artwork honouring those who had died. In 2006, the SIEV X Memorial was created.
In today’s environment in which migrants and refugees are being blamed by politicians with nothing else to offer for the failures of governments to prioritise the needs of ordinary people, the SIEV X Memorial remains as relevant as ever.
Speakers include:
Steve Biddulph is one of Australia’s best known parent educators, and author of many well known books, including Raising Boys.
Rev Rod Horsfield, Uniting Church Minister, now retired, Rod was at Launceston’s Pilgrim Church in 2001 at the time of the SIEV X tragedy.
Paul Bongiorno AM, journalist and commentator, spending 35 years with the Canberra Press Gallery. Paul is a regular contributor to the Saturday Paper.
Chorus of Women
Judith Clingan & The Wayfarers
