Community members gathered recently in the main street of Griffith to remember the 59 known women and children in Australia who have tragically lost their lives to violence during 2025, and to stand for all those who have gone before them.

The Memorial Vigil, held during the 16 Days of Activism, was organised by Linking Communities Network, which runs essential local services including the Women's Refuge, the local Domestic Violence Committee, and Soroptimist International Griffith.

The event was attended by State MP Helen Dalton, Mayor Doug Curran, councillors and members of Griffith City Council, police representatives from the Local Area Command, Soroptimist International President Pat Cox and many SI members, friends, family and supporters, and a large number of community members, including ladies from the Inner Wheel Club of Yenda.

Organising participants stood in silent vigil throughout the morning and again in the afternoon. Between these vigils, Auntie Dorothy welcomed all to country, and MP Helen Dalton and Mayor Doug Curran were invited to speak by SI's Libby Trembath.

They joined Linking Communities Network CEO Kirrilly Salvestro and SI President Pat Cox in acknowledging the work being done in the community, and sharing words of encouragement to always say no to violence, to stand up for women and children, to be aware of the measures that can be taken, and to call out behaviour that can lead to tragic circumstances.

The organisers appreciated the support and attendance of so many at the vigil, which highlighted the community's commitment to ending violence against women and children.