Geelong Candlelight Vigil 2026
Description
We’re currently at capacity, but encourage you to join the waitlist as places may become available.
Join us for the Geelong Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday 6 May 2026, a reflective community event held on National Family Violence Remembrance Day.
Led by courageous survivors and passionate advocates, the evening offers an opportunity for the Geelong community to come together to remember and honour those lost to family and domestic violence, share stories of resilience, drive meaningful change, and ensure we never forget the people behind the statistics.
The event holds space for people to grieve and acknowledge their loved ones, while sharing messages of hope and support, offering a sense of community for those living with the trauma of family violence.
This year we are honoured to welcome keynote speaker Courtney Ugle, a proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman, VFLW footballer, family violence advocate, and CEO and founder of Waangkiny. Courtney’s life has been shaped by her experience of family violence. At 19, her mother was killed in a family violence homicide - a tragedy that now drives her powerful advocacy and commitment to change.
At the Geelong Candlelight Vigil, Courtney will share her story, her truth, and her unwavering dedication to building safer communities. Her voice offers a path toward healing, connection, and collective courage as we come together to honour those we have lost and stand united against family and domestic violence.
We will also be joined by Conor Pall as MC. Conor is a nationally recognised advocate dedicated to transforming Australia’s responses to children and young people impacted by family violence.
The Geelong Candlelight Vigil is proudly led by the Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee, Meli, and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, with support from City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Arts Centre.
There is no cost to attend but registration is essential.
Please note this event will discuss and contain stories of family violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this event may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons.
Counsellors will be available at the event to provide support.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:
Barwon Orange Door: 1800 312 820
The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre: (03) 5222 4318
Safe Steps (after-hours family violence support, 24/7): 1800 015 188
1800 RESPECT (counselling support, 24/7): 1800 737 732
If you are in immediate danger, please contact police on 000
Lineup
Conor Pall - MC
Conor is a nationally recognised advocate dedicated to transforming Australia’s responses to children and young people impacted by family violence. As the Lead of Youth Engagement and Advocacy at the Australian Childhood Foundation, Conor bridges the gap between lived experience and policy. He believes that meaningful systems change begins with recognising and prioritising the rights of children and young people. A survivor-turned-reformer, his work - including his children’s book, The Shadow That Follows - centers on the need for trauma-informed, child-centric ways of working with children and young people. Conor is a tireless advocate for a future where every young person is seen, heard, and protected by the systems built to support them.
Courtney Ugle - Keynote Speaker
Courtney Ugle is a powerhouse of resilience and a proud Noongar woman from Bunbury, Western Australia, who has transformed personal tragedy into a mission of hope, healing, and big dreams. She is the founder of Waangkiny, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering communities and fostering change through storytelling. Growing up in an environment marked by domestic violence, Courtney has faced significant challenges that have fueled her vision and purpose. She is driven to be a voice for those whose stories need to be told and heard, breaking cycles and creating ripples of change to inspire others to find their strength. Sport has played a pivotal role in Courtney’s journey, serving as both an escape and a powerful tool for healing, discipline, and growth. From a young age, she found strength, purpose, and community through sport, using it as a way to navigate life’s hardships and channel her energy into something great. She believes in the power of shared stories to not only heal but to unite and uplift. Through Waangkiny, Courtney delivers keynotes, workshops, and consulting services that guide individuals and communities to move beyond adversity, embracing resilience and ambition. Her message is one of boundless hope, big dreams, and the belief that every person has the potential to transform pain into purpose. Beyond her work with Waangkiny, Courtney has impacted countless women and young people through programs addressing family violence, promoting healthy relationships, and encouraging personal growth, with a strong focus on supporting Aboriginal youth and women. As a speaker, she is known for her authenticity, warmth, and ability to connect deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impact and empowering others to find their voice. Courtney’s story is one of strength in adversity and the belief that hope can rise from hardship. Through her work, she is building a legacy of courage, compassion, and a future where everyone can dare to dream big.
FAQs
- Will the Candlelight Vigil be livestreamed or recorded?
No, the Candlelight Vigil is in-person only to maintain the reflective and intimate nature of the event.
- Will counselling support be available?
Yes, support services will be available onsite. Resources will also be available to take home if the event raises anything for you.
- Will media or photographers be present?
A photographer will be onsite, and media may attend to document the vigil. While we will respect privacy where possible, we cannot guarantee that attendees will not appear in photos or videos.
- Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The Geelong Arts Centre is wheelchair accessible, allows assistance animals, and has accessible toilets.
For more information, please visit Geelong Arts Centre Accessibility
For specific accessibility questions or concerns, contact: events@safvcentre.org.au
- Can I bring my children?
Children are welcome however, please note that this is a sensitive and reflective event.
As it honours lives lost to family violence, there will be references to family violence and stories will be shared so please consider if the content is appropriate for your child.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
