Warrnambool Candlelight Vigil
Description
Join us for the Warrnambool 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, this event offers an opportunity for the South West community to come together to remember and honour lives lost to family and domestic violence, share stories of resilience, drive meaningful change, and ensure we never forget the people behind the statistics.
Held at the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative 'Whale Room' overlooking the serene Hopkins River, the gathering will hold space for people to:
Grieve and acknowledge their loved ones and the impacts of family violence in our community.
Hear local family and sexual violence leaders and advocates speak about family violence in our community and share messages of hope and support.
Tie a ribbon and share a minute's silence to honour women and children's lives lost to violence.
Offer a sense of community for those living with the trauma of family violence.
Locally, buildings and landmarks across Warrnambool, including the Silver Ball, Lighthouse Theatre, and SW TAFE will glow purple as a powerful act of solidarity – bringing visibility to a national crisis and reminding victim‑survivors they are not alone.
There is no cost to attend but registration is essential - all are welcome.
Free bus pick up: Archie Graham Community Centre, 118 Timor Street
Pick up at 5.20pm. Return trip departs 7.00pm
Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by adult. Bus has 2 steps.
Tea & coffee and finger food will be served at the close of proceedings.
The Warrnambool Candlelight Vigil is proudly brought to you by a partnership of local and regional family and sexual violence organisations and services including The Wimmera South West Family Violence Partnership, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, The Orange Door - South West, Brophy Family & Youth Services, MPower, South West Centre Against Sexual Assault, South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council.
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.
A counsellor will be available at the event to provide support.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact:
Warrnambool Orange Door: 1800 271 180
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
Acknowledgment
The Warrnambool Candlelight Vigil respectfully acknowledges the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners of Country that the Vigil is taking place on and their Elders past and present.
FAQs
- Who should attend?
The Candlelight Vigil is a whole of community event, all are welcome to attend.
- 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.
- Is the Candlelight Vigil accessible?
The venue is an accessible venue with parking, accessible entry point and lift.
- Will media or photographers be present?
An organising member will be taking photographs, 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.
- 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.
We will have a nearby indoors space available for families with children who may want to come and participate in the event but not be exposed to potentially traumatising content. Children will need to be supervised by a responsible adult.
- What should I wear?
The Candlelight Vigil is held outdoors in May, so attendees are encouraged to wear warm clothing and bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
There will be access to indoor and outdoor covered areas during the event.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
