The Redlands Coast community will pause to acknowledge victims of domestic and family violence at the city’s annual Candle Lighting Vigil, to be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland on Wednesday 7 May 2025.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the ceremony would again be held simultaneously with other candle lighting vigils across the state to mark Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
“Each year at our Candle Lighting Vigil we stand in solidarity with those who have been impacted by domestic and family violence, and call on our community to help end this terrible scourge,” the Mayor said.
“The only way we can create change and prevent more lives from being lost to domestic and family violence is by sending a clear and consistent message to the community that enough is enough.”
Queensland Government statistics show that 20 per cent of the Australian population has reported experiencing a form of domestic violence since the age of 15.
“Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and the annual Candle Lighting Vigil are two very important avenues for bringing attention to this issue,” the Mayor said.
“By joining the ceremony and holding a candle to acknowledge those who have been impacted in our community and beyond, you are helping to make a difference.
“You will also be sending out an important reminder that our community still operates on values of respect, empathy, support, and decency.”
The Mayor said there were several local organisations doing amazing work to assist people in the community who have been impacted by domestic and family violence.
“This includes The Centre for Women & Co, Redland Community Centre, and Maybanke Accommodation and Crisis Support Service,” the Mayor said.
“These organisations provide services to people escaping domestic and family violence situations and assist them with preparing for the future.
“I am very grateful to the many dedicated individuals working within these organisations to ensure our community has access to the support they need.
“We all want to see a future where everyone is respected and where families and individuals feel safe.”
The Candle Lighting Vigil is presented by Redland City Council, together with The Centre for Women & Co and the Red Rose Foundation.
Council reminds the community that if you are feeling unsafe in your relationship, you can seek confidential advice from the following services:
- DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, 24 hours, seven days a week
- DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636, from 9am to midnight, seven days a week.
If you are in immediate danger, contact police on Triple Zero (000) to seek assistance right away.
DIARY NOTE: Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil will be held from 5.30pm to 6.15pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at Raby Bay Harbour Park, Shore Street West, Cleveland.
For more information go to redland.qld.gov.au/candlelightingvigil.
Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.