‘Enough is enough’: Maryborough gathers for vigil

Dozens of people have gathered in Maryborough for a vigil in memory of the victims of domestic violence, with one speaker saying “enough is enough”.

Carol Yates, Jacqui Roan and Tanya Sanders at the vigil.

Dozens of people have gathered on the green at Maryborough City Hall to unite against domestic violence.

As candles were lit during the vigil to honour the victims, while the names of some of those lost to the crisis were read aloud.

Pastor Rhys McFadden, a chaplain for the Queensland Police Service, said the community could made a difference in the fight against domestic violence.

“We will no longer turn a blind eye,” he said.

Carol Hoyne at the vigil in memory of domestic violence victims in Maryborough.

“Tonight we say enough is enough.”

Acting Superintendent Paul Algie also spoke at the vigil, speaking of the daily fight police faced against domestic violence.

The event had been supported by businesses across the Fraser Coast including Bunnings, Coles and Woolworths and funds raised would help support Yoorana Women’s Domestic Violence Service.

Maryborough Zonta Club President and Fraser Coast Councillor Michelle Byrne spoke ahead of the vigil.

Robyn Williams and Anna Zigterman at the vigil.

Maryborough's vigil in memory of domestic violence victims.

“Violence against women takes a profound and long-term toll on women’s health and wellbeing, on families and communities, and society on a whole,” she said.

“In Australia one woman dies every four days at the hands of an intimate partner.

“Intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 25-44 than any other preventable risk factor.

“Domestic and family violence is the leading driver to homelessness for women.

“The impact of violence against women is seen in workplaces as it affects staff retention, presenteeism, absenteeism and morale while undermining productivity.

“Violence against women is costing Australia in excess of $21.7 billion dollars a year.

We ask all of our community to join us in calling for the end the killing of women.

“To call out bad behaviours and to say enough, no more.

Marty Erlandson at the vigil.

“Let’s end the toxic traits and end the pattern of behaviours.

“I implore you, for the future of our mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces and all victims of violence.”

Lyn Agnew, Governor of Zonta International District 22, said that the month of May is traditionally recognised as Domestic Violence month in Queensland. This May Zonta International and other advocacy groups are demanding that violence against women be declared a national emergency after three women were allegedly killed by men known to them last week.

“These three femicides are three too many,” Ms Agnew said.

“Their deaths should be seen as a wake-up call to communities.

“This year alone 25 women have died due to gender-based violence.

“This is 11 more compared to this time last year.

“We have seen increased activism against this senseless violence across Australia and throughout Queensland women are speaking out.

“But now is the time for us to see and hear the men in our communities.”

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