The Geelong community came together this week to honour and remember the women and children whose lives have been lost to family and domestic violence.
More than 200 people gathered at the Open House Theatre at the Geelong Arts Centre on Wednesday for the annual Geelong Candlelight Vigil.
Led by survivor-advocate Conor Pall, the vigil was a deeply moving occasion marked by grief, reflection and solidarity.
Attendees heard from courageous survivors and passionate advocates, including keynote speaker Courtney Ugle.
Ms Ugle was just 19 years old when her mother was killed as a result of domestic violence – a loss that changed the course of her life.
A proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman and founder of Waangkiny, she shared how personal tragedy led her to advocate for change.
“Now I travel and share my story, spread love and light, and bring awareness to the very cause that took my mum,” Ms 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.”
The evening concluded with a poignant vigil and a minute’s silence, providing a space for collective reflection and remembrance.
It was a moment for the community to stand united, to acknowledge stories of strength and resilience, and to remember the people behind the statistics.
Meli CEO Robyn Hayles said the Candlelight Vigil was a sobering reminder of the ongoing impact of family violence and the importance of sustained community action.
“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.”
As a symbol of remembrance and unity, landmarks and local businesses across Geelong were illuminated in purple.
This year’s vigil also featured artwork created by local women whose lives have been affected by sexual and family violence.
Developed through the Barwon 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence, the works explored themes of respect, power, and the attitudes that enable violence against women.
Thank you to the following local organisations who have also showed their support for this campaign:
- APCO petrol stations / APCO Foundation
- Anthony Costa Foundation
- Buxton Geelong Group
- Costa Asset Management
- City of Greater Geelong
- Deakin University
- Federal Mills / Hamilton Group
- Gawk Outdoor
- Geelong Arts Centre
- Geelong Broadcasters
- Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
- Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
- The Orange Door
- Sacred Heart College
- St Joseph’s College
- St Mary’s Basilica
The Geelong Candlelight Vigil is delivered in partnership by the Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee (BAIFVC), Meli, and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, with support from the City of Greater Geelong and Geelong Arts Centre, and forms part of the statewide Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil.
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