'We have to do better': Candlelight vigil for refugees

When hundreds of candles light up the solemn faces of those standing as one in Buderim tomorrow night, their message will be clear.

STAND AS ONE: Asraar Ismail, Rosie Williams, Lana Misick and Nina Ashfield-Crook hold a candle for the refugees on Manus and Nauru. Picture: Warren Lynam

"IT HAS been six years too long."

When hundreds of candles light up the solemn faces of those standing as one in Buderim tomorrow night, their message will be clear.

This Friday marks six years of indefinite detention for refugees on Manus Island and Nauru. Instead of a milestone celebration, the community will bow their heads in "shame".

"People's lives are in our hands and we have to do better," Amnesty Sunshine Coast member Nina Ashfield-Crook said.

The loudest voices in the refugee rights conversation, Buddies Refugee Support Group, Sunshine Coast Refugee Action Network and Amnesty Sunshine Coast have joined forces to hold a candlelight vigil in "honour of the 915 people remaining" in offshore detention tomorrow from 4.30pm at Buderim's St Mark's Anglican Church.

Ms Ashfield-Crook felt it was "more important than ever" to shine a light on the issue.

"Especially since the federal election this year, there's been a lot of acts of self-harm and suicide attempts that are coming out in the news from Manus Island and Nauru," she said.

"When you actually see the photos of people who have died and you hear their stories, it's just really heart-breaking."

Although the vigil is a moment to reflect on those who are detained, Ms Ashfield-Crook said it was an opportunity for action.

"It's a time to talk about what other solutions we can put in place to end this," she said.

"We would like to see an end to offshore detention... and safe, free resettlement options given."