Candlelight Vigil at Old Tram Sheds Foreshore Park

Updated: May 4, 2021

Last week in Australia, two women and a baby were killed in separate incidents of family and domestic violence. Kelly Wilkinson had sought the help of the police, nearly every day from late March until her violent murder, allegedly by her former partner.

At just nine months old, Kobi Shepherdson was violently murdered, allegedly by her father, who had a criminal history of domestic violence against her and her Mother.

Lordy Ramadan was murdered and police are investigating her partner, who was also her carer. None of these women should have died.

MAY IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH. Women and children are STILL losing their lives to domestic violence at an average of one per week.

This is not a new statistic, but what has the Australian government done? The Federal Government plans to slash $56 million from homelessness services that support women and children leaving violence. This means women’s refuges will have to close their doors.

Australian Services Union Secretary Natalie Lang says: “You cannot say in one breath that you are concerned about the mistreatment of women and then cut the funding to essential services and women’s refuges.”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! On Wednesday, 5th of May, survivors of domestic and family abuse, front line workers, and their allies will be holding a Candlelight Vigil at OLD TRAM SHEDS, NEWCASTLE FORESHORE .

Candlelight Vigil in Civic Park

Date: Wednesday, 5th of May

Time: 5.30pm for a 6pm start, (finishing at 7pm)

Venue change to: OLD TRAM SHEDS, NEWCASTLE FORESHORE PARK BYO Candle, Torch or Lantern

This event is supported by: the Newcastle Domestic Violence Committee, Warlga Ngurra, Nova for Women and Children, Jenny's Place, and the Gender Research Network, University of Newcastle.