Geelong Candlelight Vigil

The Geelong Candlelight Vigil is dedicated to honouring the women and children who have been tragically killed as a result of family and domestic violence. It’s an opportunity for the local community to come together to remember, to stand in solidarity, and to ensure the people behind the statistics are never forgotten.

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.

Each year, on the first Wednesday in May, the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre hosts its annual Candlelight Vigil as part of National Family Violence Remembrance Day, marking the beginning of Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

Join us for the Geelong Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday 6 May 2026, a reflective community event held on National Family Violence Remembrance Day.

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.

This is a free event, however, registrations are essential, please register via Geelong Candlelight Vigil 2026

If you are experiencing or are at risk of family violence or sexual assault, contact:

Barwon Orange Door (business hours) on 1800 312 820

Safe Steps (24 Hours) on 1800 015 188

In an emergency, call triple zero (000)