Kelly Wilkinson’s family describe her as a ‘strong, fierce woman’ at Gold Coast vigil

A heartbreaking statement has been read out on behalf of the grieving family of Kelly Wilkinson, who was allegedly murdered by her estranged husband.

The grieving family of Kelly Wilkinson has remembered the Queensland mum as a “strong, fierce woman with an enormous heart” who would always put her kids first.

Hundreds of mourners gathered on Monday evening on the Gold Coast to pay tribute to the young mum after her burnt body was found at her Arundel home last Tuesday.

Her estranged partner, Brian Johnston, who is still in an induced coma, has been charged with Ms Wilkinson’s murder.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor read a statement from Ms Wilkinson’s family that described her as a “strong, fierce woman with an enormous heart”.

“Kelly stood out as a protector and one who was never afraid to push boundaries,” the family said.

“She had always said that being a mother was the best job in the world and loved nothing more than watching the kids play.

“She did not just touch the lives of those she met, her presence left a mark that can never be removed.”

Kelly Wilkinson’s family arrive at the vigil. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The family said Kelly made “everyone fall in love with her antics” and described her as a “beloved daughter, sister and mother”.

“Her family will always remember a young girl who could best the toughest of boys, who would walk away with broken bones as if they were scratches,” the statement said.

“Kelly was one of a kind and there are no words that can describe how much she is missed and the hole she has left within our lives.”

The chaplain of the school where Ms Wilkinson’s two eldest children attended said many had found themselves speechless during the past week.

Kelly Wilkinson’s family and friends at the community vigil Monday afternoon. Picture: Nigel Hallett

He said Kelly would be remembered as a loyal friend who was “selfless and kind”.

“We know that we are not alone,” he said.

“While we may struggle to find words, they are what we have.

“It is important we do not let this tragedy define Kelly, or what she will be remembered for.”

There were emotional scenes at the vigil. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr O’Connor told the crowd that things must change.

“I will make this commitment to you all: I will do everything I can to make sure this tragedy leads to change,” he said.

“This must stop.”

Earlier, Mr O’Connor said the vigil was an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to Ms Wilkinson.

“(The broader community) is doing it tough. You never expect this sort of thing to happen in your own area, and a lot of people are feeling this over the last week,” he told the Today show.

“It’s triggered a lot of people’s own experiences … it’s everyone from mums who used to walk their kids to school with Kelly, to parents who might have had kids in the same class, to people who live in that area who know it as a quiet family area. They really are shocked by this tragedy.”

Kelly Wilkinson was allegedly killed by her estranged husband Brian Johnston last week. Picture: Facebook

The community, as well as strangers who had never known Ms Wilkinson, was “absolutely shocked” by the amount of contact she had with police and service organisations, Mr O’Connor said.

“There’s clearly an issue with domestic violence orders … We really need to fast-track those laws to criminalise coercive control,” he said.

A statement was read out on behalf of Kelly Wilkinson's family at the vigil. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“But there’s a broader cultural problem among men that we really need to face up (to). “Overwhelmingly, men are the perpetrators in these instances, and men need to … get help.”

A GoFundMe has been set up, with more than $200,000 already donated to support Ms Wilkinson’s family.