General News
6 June, 2026
Candles flicker for those lost to domestic violence
AS candles flickered in the night across Innisfail, Mission Beach and Cardwell, small groups gathered in quiet solidarity to honour lives lost to domestic and family violence.
The solemn vigils, held last month, were moments of reflection and resolve, a reminder that behind every statistic is a story, a family and a community forever changed.
Attendees lit candles and observed a minute’s silence to remember victims and stand with survivors.
The Innisfail vigil was organised by Innisfail Youth and Family Care as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, an initiative of the Queensland Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. Since 2010, similar ceremonies have been held across Australia.
In 2025, 79 women and 27 children were killed because of domestic and family violence, 106 lives lost. So far this year, another 23 women and eight children have been killed, adding 31 more names to a heartbreaking tally.
Innisfail Youth and Family Care CEO Anita Laksa said domestic and family violence often hid behind closed doors.
“It can be woven into words, control, isolation and fear,” she said.
“It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and communities – and its impact ripples far beyond the home.”
Ms Laksa said the vigil was, not only about grief, but also truth, courage and collective responsibility.
“We stand in solidarity with victim survivors, for those still living in fear and for those who have found the strength to leave, rebuild and begin again,” she said.
“Ending domestic violence requires more than awareness, it asks us to challenge harmful attitudes, listen without judgement, speak up when something isn’t right and support the people and services working every day to keep others safe.”
“As these candles flicker in the darkness, let them also be a promise to remember, to act, and to never accept violence as something that can be ignored. Everyone deserves safety, dignity and peace in their own home.”
Across the Cassowary Coast, dedicated services stand ready to help, including Innisfail Youth and Family Care, Tully Community Support Centre and Mamu Health Service.
“Reaching out is not weakness,” Ms Laksa said.
“It is courage and even a simple check in can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
Read More: Cassowary Coast