The Bayside community gathered at the Reflection Garden at Mutch Park on Tuesday 6 May for a candlelight vigil to remember those loved and lost to family and domestic violence.

The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite, MP, Member for Kingsford Smith, joined guest speaker Annabelle Daniels OAM, CEO for Women’s Community Shelters and Chair of Domestic Violence NSW, Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall, and local Councillors to speak out against family and domestic violence.

Held on the eve of Domestic Violence Remembrance Day the candlelight vigil was an opportunity for Bayside Council to reaffirm its commitment to supporting organisations and initiatives that help reduce and prevent cases of family and domestic violence the local community.

Attendees took the opportunity to write a personal message on a large heart-shaped sculpture that was on display during the event.

The Family & Domestic Violence Reflection Garden at Mutch Park was designed in collaboration with the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence network and opened in 2023 as a reflective space to remember lives lost and to honour survivors.

Mayor Edward McDougal said

“I am proud of Bayside Council’s ongoing commitment to confronting family and domestic violence,” Mayor Edward McDougall said.

“It is heartbreaking that anyone should have to experience such violence in a family home. I am determined to ensure we that we continue, as a Council and as a community, to work towards an environment free from the fear of violence, where everyone can be safe.”