By Afraa Kori
Beneath the autumn night sky, with candles glowing and hearts heavy, the community came together to honour lives lost and shattered by family violence.
The Cardinia Cultural Centre was lit in purple, as they paused together in a moment of sacred silence on National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day on May 7.
The vigil was supported by Cardinia Shire Council, Safe Steps and the Together We Can initiative, highlighting the community’s shared commitment to addressing and reducing family violence.
This marked Pakenham’s first candlelight vigil, providing a space for residents to stand in solidarity, reflect, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of family violence.
“Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that affects many individuals and families,” Mayor Jack said.
“Vigils like this, and hopefully the conversations that are had here, play a crucial role in bringing awareness to family and domestic violence. As well as providing a platform for sharing stories of resilience, sparking hope, and ultimately inspiring change.
“We are joined by many others across the State who are gathered in solidarity of buildings and landmarks in their respective local areas, and also glowing purple to help bring light to this national crisis.”
Special attendance included Pakenham MP Emma Vulin, alongside Mayor Jack Kowarzik, Deputy mayor Alanna Pomeroy, Cr Samantha-Jane Potter, Cr Liz Roberts and Cr Collin Ross.
Cr Samantha-Jane Potter said “it was a moving reminder of the strength in unity, the importance of compassion, and our shared hope for a safer future”.
Kooweerup community leader Emma Hura has not personally experienced family violence, but she has witnessed its impact firsthand on people around her and others she has met.
As one of the vigil’s guest speakers she warned “silence is deadly. It sharpens the knife. It whispers to pain, ruins a life. It tells the survivor, stay small, stay low. But if no one speaks, then how do we know?”
Emma delivered a powerful prose, reminding us “we stand where silence once stood, for healing, for justice, for the greater good”.
“Together we stand as one. For fathers, for daughters, for every son. For mothers who flinch, for young boys who cry, for all of the tears where no one asked why,” she said.
“And if you’re still quiet, unsure what to say, just know that you’re not broken. You’re just finding your way and that you don’t have to carry this all on your own. There’s power in speaking and in being known.
“And if you’re the village, the neighbor or friend, don’t let discomfort make silence trend. Let’s talk, let’s learn, let’s break the taboo because silence survives when we say it’s not true. But together we rise and together we care. Let’s make sure every voice finds someone there!”
Another vigil’s guest speaker, survivor advocate Macy Choudhury shared a moving message of hope, strength, and unity with her fellow survivors.
“You are strong, splendid and magnificent in every aspect. Despite what has happened to our lives, we continue to show up with grace and move forward to serve our loved ones,” she said.
“We show up as accomplished professionals, compassionate carers, some of us are raising children, who will be the next generation of our country’s leaders. We speak out so others can be saved, so others don’t live in desperate and risky situations. Our collective voice will shape and change family violence systems. Happiness, prosperity and joy will return.
“Let’s work together professionals, practitioners, community leaders and survivors to build a community where abuse is not ignored, not excused, and under no circumstances will be tolerated. Let’s be the voice for those who are still afraid to use theirs.”
