Sister pays tribute to Jakarta victim

The sister of trade official Craig Senger, one of three Australians killed in the
Jakarta bombings, has made a poignant tribute to the other grieving families.

"To the families of Nathan Verity and Garth McEvoy," Cate Saunders began, her voice
breaking, "We think of you often and we understand your pain."
At least 400 people crowded into the Great Hall of Canberra's Parliament House on
Friday for a memorial service for the 35-year-old Senger.
That so many turned out for the service just a day after his funeral is testament to
Senger's life and popularity, close friend Harold Eeman said.
Federal ministers, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and other officials each laid a
flower on a large white wreath to pay tribute to the fallen Austrade worker.
Senger had been at a high-level breakfast meeting at the JW Marriott hotel when a
suicide bomber detonated his blast, killing seven people.
Ms Saunders said her little brother was a man dearly loved by his family, colleagues
and ever-widening circle of friends.
"Over the past 35 years I've been so fortunate to have watched him grow into a man
broadly loved," she said.
"Many memories come to me of Craig, memories of a brother who is generous, loving,
great company and who had an effervescence that was contagious."
She directed a message to the people of Indonesia during her eulogy, telling them
Senger had "felt a really strong connection" with the country and loved living
there.
He and his wife, Kate, had been living in Jakarta - his first long-term overseas
posting with Austrade - for just over a year when he was murdered.
The hour-long service was broadcast live to Austrade offices across the globe,
including Jakarta.
Close friends used the service to reminisce about the good times - the regular
fishing trips, barbecues, morning coffees and nine-course lunches at a favourite
Chinese restaurant.
Dr Eeman, who grew up with Senger, was sure his friend would have been chuffed to
have made the front page of the newspapers, and especially the choice of photo -
"you know the one, where you're trying not to laugh".
Workmate Clyde Paton got the congregation smiling when he reminded them of Senger's
nickname at the office - "sheepdog".
"He liked it - it captured his spirit because of his boundless enthusiasm and
fearless talent for rounding up others," he said.
"He'll be at the pearly gates right now rounding everybody up for a barbecue."
McEvoy and Verity were both farewelled in private services earlier in the week.