Candlelight vigil honours lives lost to family violence

HUNDREDS gathered last week in solemn recognition of the women and children whose lives have been lost to family and domestic violence.

The annual Geelong Candlelight Vigil drew more than 200 people, led in reflection and mourning by survivor advocate Conor Pall and keynote speaker Courtney Ugle.

The evening of grief, solidarity and remembrance was anchored by Ugle’s story.

Ugle’s mother was killed as a result of domestic violence when she was 19. Ugle now travels across the country sharing her experiences and advocating for change.

“Now I travel and share my story, spread love and light, and bring awareness to the very cause that took my mum,” Ugle said.

“Family and domestic violence is riddled throughout our society. It is happening in our homes and in our communities and there are so many of us with similar experiences.

“I’m not the only one with a story like this. I wasn’t the first one with a story like this, and I won’t be the last one with a story like this.”

A proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman, Ugle is the founder of social enterprise Waangkiny, which uses storytelling and cultural understanding to help communities break cycles of adversity. She also plays VFLW football.

The vigil was organised by the Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee, Meli and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.

Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles said the event was a reminder of the ongoing impact of family violence within the community.

“This was an incredibly powerful evening, shaped by the courage of survivors like Courtney and the strength of a community willing to stand together,” she said.

“When survivors share their stories and a community listens, it creates real momentum for change. It sends a clear message that violence will not be tolerated and that those impacted are not alone.

“At Meli, we see the impacts of family violence every day. Events like this reinforce the role we all play in prevention, early intervention and in reducing harm and saving lives.”

Kerriann Campbell-Jones, chief executive of The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, said the organisers were grateful to the community members who attended and businesses that supported the vigil.

“The evening provided a meaningful opportunity for our community to pause, reflect and honour those whose lives have been lost to family violence, while standing alongside those who continue to be impacted today,” Campbell-Jones said.

“Courtney’s courageous story had a profound impact on all who attended, creating a powerful sense of connection and hope, and reminding us of our shared responsibility to prevent violence against women and children.”