The East Gippsland community is invited to gather for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday 6 May from 5.00 pm, walking from the East Gippsland Shire Council Corporate Centre to the Bairnsdale Rotunda, or meeting at the Rotunda.
Held annually on National Family Violence Remembrance Day, the vigil offers a space to honour those who have lost their lives to family violence, while standing with survivors, their families and the broader community.
Through the lighting of candles, the event creates a moment for reflection and solidarity, and a shared commitment to ending family violence.
This remains a confronting reality for our community, which continues to be overrepresented in family violence statistics. Over the past year, East Gippsland recorded the highest rate of family violence incidents in the state per 100,000 people, with 2,479 incidents reported to police and 684 breaches of family violence intervention orders - an increase of 8.2% on the previous year.
Behind these figures are real people, families and lives profoundly impacted - reminding us that this is not just a statistic, but a deeply human issue that calls for continued awareness, support and collective action.
As part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May, attendees are invited to listen to live music, share a free barbecue, and take part in a candle lighting at dusk as a symbol of hope. If you can't attend in person, you are welcome to light a candle or pause at home in solidarity. The Corporate Centre in Bairnsdale will also be lit in purple from 6 May through to the end of the month as a visible show of support.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth, said the vigil is an important opportunity for the community to come together.
"Family violence continues to have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. The rates we are seeing in East Gippsland reinforce that this is a whole-of-community issue, and everyone has a role to play.
"This vigil is a time to remember those who have lost their lives, to stand with survivors and their families, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to ending family violence."
The vigil will include a short address from community leaders and a moment of silence. Representatives from local support services will also be available to provide information and assistance.
Council continues to work in partnership with local organisations such as the Partners in Violence Prevention (PVP) network, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health and Gippsland Community Legal Services to host this event and support such services to promote awareness, prevention and support for those experiencing family violence.
