Community
19 September, 2026
Rally honours lives lost
A POWERFUL moment of silence fell across the front of the Con Theatre as staff from Innisfail Youth and Family Care, Mamu Health Service, Community Support Centre Innisfail, Child Safety Services and community members gathered for the Red Rose Rally, a solemn memorial honouring women and children killed by domestic and family violence.
A POWERFUL moment of silence fell across the front of the Con Theatre as staff from Innisfail Youth and Family Care, Mamu Health Service, Community Support Centre Innisfail, Child Safety Services and community members gathered for the Red Rose Rally, a solemn memorial honouring women and children killed by domestic and family violence.
Each participant held a single red rose, a symbol of a life lost, a story cut short and a reminder of the urgent need for change.
Domestic violence support worker Kelly Turner spoke with deep emotion as she addressed the crowd.
“Each red rose represents a person, a daughter, a mother, a sister, a friend,” she said. “Someone who was loved, whose life mattered and whose loss is deeply felt. Today is about remembering them but also ensuring they are never forgotten.”
Ms Turner emphasised that domestic and family violence affects every community, often hidden behind closed doors but leaving lasting impacts across families, workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods.
“Every life lost is a reminder that we must continue to speak out, challenge violence, support those experiencing abuse and work together to create safer communities,” she said. “Let these roses represent hope, compassion and our commitment to creating a future where no one lives in fear.”
This year alone, 45 women and 19 children have been killed in Australia due to gender-based violence. Their names were read aloud, followed by a minute’s silence as attendees bowed their heads in respect.
Ms Turner said the rally reinforced that domestic violence was not a private issue but a community responsibility.
“We are having the conversation that this is a community issue, not something hidden behind closed doors. We all need to be talking about it,” she said.
Innisfail Youth and Family Care, located at 34 Cassowary Street, provides crisis counselling, court support, assistance with domestic violence order applications, leaving violence payments, crisis housing and education programs including the Women’s Safety Circle and Men’s Better Changes for Our Futures. Anyone needing support can visit the office or phone 4043 8700.
Another Red Rose Rally is planned for November, continuing a tradition that began in 2010. Since then, rallies have been held across Queensland, including Brisbane, Cleveland, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns and each one honours victims and calling communities to action.
Read More: Innisfail