On the evening of Tuesday, May 7th, the Empire Theatre became a place of solemn reflection, heartfelt connection, and unwavering resolve. Hosted by Toowoomba Together, the annual Candlelight Vigil brought our community together to honour those affected by domestic and family violence, to remember lives tragically lost, and to stand in solidarity with survivors and their families.In collaboration with Zonta Toowoomba and the Domestic Violence Action Centre, the evening was a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person — a life that matters. As the sun set and the theatre lights dimmed, the glow of candles held by hundreds in attendance lit the darkness, symbolising both remembrance and hope.It was especially heartening to see so many young people standing shoulder to shoulder with community leaders, elders, and service providers. Their presence spoke volumes — a new generation committed to saying “no more” to the silence and shame that too often surround domestic and family violence.I was honoured to speak at the vigil and share a message on behalf of our community. As I looked out over the crowd, I saw not only grief but also strength, unity, and determination. The candle each person held was not just a memorial — it was a commitment to change.Here is my full speech from the evening:“Thank you Charlie for your acknowledgment, I always love hearing your words of country. May I please add my own acknowledgment.
This evening, as we stand united, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of Indigenous women and families who have been deeply impacted by domestic and family violence. We commit ourselves to walking together with respect, compassion, and a shared determination to create a future where every voice is valued, and every person feels safe.
May our actions this evening honour the spirit of this land and its people.
Tonight, we come together not only to remember but to take a stand — to say, with one voice, that we will not accept the heartbreak and devastation caused by domestic and family violence.
As you look around at these candles that will be lit, I ask you to pause and reflect.
Each candle tells a story — a story of a woman, a child, or a child whose life was cut short, stolen by violence that should never have happened. These are not just flickering lights; they are flames that remind us of lives taken and lives left behind. They remind us of futures that will never unfold and of families forever changed.
Here in Toowoomba, the reality of domestic and family violence is impossible to ignore. Our courthouse is inundated every week with cases — and the numbers show no sign of slowing. Across Australia, domestic violence is the leading preventable cause of death and injury for women aged 15 to 44.
The statistics are devastating.
Now statistics can feel very clinical and will not bring back those we have lost…and those we have lost are not just numbers — they are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, friends, neighbours. These are human lives, either forever scarred or lost to an epidemic we can and must stop.
But while these candles represent tragedy, they also represent something profoundly important — hope.
Hope for a community that refuses to stay silent.
Hope for survivors, who find strength, support, and healing.
And hope for a future where these acts of violence no longer occur.
To each of you here this evening: thank you. Thank you for showing up, for caring, for standing in solidarity with survivors, and for sending a clear message to perpetrators — that their actions will never be tolerated in this community.
But beyond our presence tonight, we are called to action.
To reflect not only on the pain, but on the change we can create together. And action is what we want to see out of tonight’s vigil.
To those living in fear: you are not alone. You are not invisible. You are worthy of love, dignity, and peace. Please — reach for help. There are people ready to stand beside you, to walk with you toward safety.
To those who use violence: change is possible. It takes strength to stop, to take responsibility, to seek help — but that change can break the cycle for generations to come.
And to all of us gathered here — we have a very important role to play. We cannot close our eyes. We cannot stand on the sidelines.
We must recognise the signs — the fear in someone’s eyes, the controlling behaviour, the unexplained absences, the withdrawal.
We must respond — with kindness, with patience, without judgment.
And we must refer — connect those in need to the services and supports that can change, or even save, a life.
No act is too small. A conversation, a helping hand, a gentle check-in — each can be a turning point.
Let these candles be more than a symbol of loss. Let them be a symbol of our resilience, our shared hope, and our unwavering commitment to end domestic and family violence.
Let us leave here tonight united — determined to build a future where every person can live free from fear, where every home is a safe haven, and where no more lives are stolen.
Together, let us be the light. Together, let us take action and ignite change.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, please know that support is available. Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential advice, support, and referrals.
We can all be part of the solution. Let’s continue to shine a light — and take action.
