EDON Place hosted its Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of Wednesday, 7 May, in the heart of the Bundaberg CBD, bringing the community together in a moving tribute to the victims of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).
Community engagement coordinator Jenae George said it was amazing to see the community come together last night to stand in solidarity and pay tribute to the victims who sadly lost their lives to Domestic and Family Violence this year.
“We were very appreciative to have Shalom College Principal Dan McMahon as a guest speaker,” she said.
“Dan spoke with passion and dedication, highlighting the importance of early intervention strategies for young people in our community.
“He has long been a valued supporter of EDON Place and a strong advocate for DFV prevention.”
Mr McMahon said respect was just a non-negotiable.
“Of the many messages I hope our young people pick up from events like these, I hope that they will let some of these inform their young lives moving forward,” he said.
“In the interviews I’ve listened to with perpetrators and victims of domestic violence, there are a couple of common lines that need to be challenged.
“The first is from perpetrators as a justification for poor behaviour, “She made me mad”.
“No one makes me mad.
“My emotions or the emotional response of any person, is a choice.
“No one makes me feel anything.
“Our young men and all men especially, need to learn how to accept responsibility and accountability for their actions and responses.
“It is an absolute cop out, to blame anyone else.”
Mr McMahon said the second message was for our young women who sometimes believe that they have a greater power of influence than they do.
“Young women and all women need to challenge their own innate belief that they have the capacity to ‘change’ someone else.
“That job is just too hard and while ‘forgiveness’ is essential in any good relationship, young women need to recognize the point in a relationship when ‘enough is enough’ and move on.
“You will love again, don’t ever give in to the belief that is only this person who will love you.
“In a world where DEI seems to be a tainted concept for some, organisations like EDON Place absolutely champion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and our community is so much better for that.
“Thank you so much to all at Edon Place our community is better for your efforts and you deserve our unreserved support.”
It was a powerful moment of the evening came when EDON Place patron Tracey McPhee read the names of the 22 women, men, and children who tragically lost their lives to DFV in the past year.
As each name was read, candles were placed on a memorial table in a solemn gesture of remembrance and respect—not only for the victims but also for the families left behind.
The vigil concluded with a call to action from EDON Place, chairperson Scott Lamond, who urged the community to, “Be the voice that breaks the silence.”
Scott said this annual vigil brings our community together, to make a stance, raise awareness and ultimately – honour and remember people whose lives have been lost to domestic and family violence.
“Together we can spark hope, inspire change, and help those in need of support feel empowered to ask for help before it’s too late,” he said.
“For the past 20 years vigils like this have been held around the nation.
“This year, 22 names and the ages of victims who have lost their lives (to DFV) since the start of 2025 were read and this was followed by a minute silence and candles were lit representing Purity, Hope and Dignity.
“It’s humbling and moving to be part of this ceremony.
“More than 200 people turned out in the Bundaberg CBD this year and it’s heartening to see this number grow each year and to know that our community wants to live in a community that is free of domestic and family violence.
“I thank the community for supporting this event and acknowledge the hard working domestic and family violence support services and police for all they do every day.”
EDON Place invites all community members to join the upcoming Walk for Awareness on Friday, 16 May at 7:15 AM at Bywash Park.
This event will serve as another opportunity to honour the victims and raise awareness.
EDON Place chief executive officer, Lyne Booth said “We hope that this walk, and every step we take beyond, will carry forward the message loud and clear: Domestic and Family Violence will not be tolerated.
“Together, we are a voice for the voiceless.
“Together, we remember. And together, we will keep pushing for change.”
