A Candlelit Call for Change: Toowoomba’s Heartfelt Vigil Against Domestic Violence

Under the gentle glow of flickering candles, around 500 residents gathered in Toowoomba and its outskirts, their collective voice echoing a desperate plea to end the scourge of domestic and family violence. The evening was more than a vigil; it was a powerful statement of solidarity, hope, and a call for action.

Over the past ten months, this quiet community west of Brisbane has been haunted by tragedy. The heartbreaking loss of five lives in alleged murders has cast a long shadow over the region. Among those mourned was psychologist Frances Crawford, whose life was tragically cut short at her Upper Lockyer property in July 2024. Her husband, Robert Crawford, 47, faces charges of her murder, a story that has shaken the local fabric.

Earlier that year, in April, another devastating chapter unfolded. Louise Griffiths, a beloved figure in the community, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Cameron Hunt, 45, at their home in Geham, north of Toowoomba. The weight of grief was palpable as families of both women gathered at the vigil, organized by Protea Place, a local support network committed to ending violence.

Amidst the flickering candles, a family member of Ms Crawford held aloft a photograph of her, a poignant reminder of her life and the love she left behind. A local college captain stepped forward to recite a heartfelt poem titled “She is More Than a Memory,” capturing the enduring spirit of those lost and the community’s unwavering resolve to prevent future tragedies.