‘Tonight is about love’: Vigil remembers Paul Grapsas, Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes and DV victims

Domestic violence survivors and supporters told a vigil they no longer feel safe amid the alleged murders of two Geelong men.

Anti-violence rally in honour of stab victim Jayme Chugs Sykes at Johnstone Park. Picture: Mark Wilson

Residents at an anti-violence vigil have highlighted how unsafe they feel in Geelong’s CBD in light of the alleged murders of two men – Paul Grapsas and Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes.

All 50 people gathered at Johnstone Park put up their hands in unison when asked by vigil organisers who felt unsafe walking through the streets of Geelong.

“Gives you a bit of an idea, doesn’t it?” organiser Rachel Bishop said.

The emotional candlelight vigil on Saturday afternoon was part of a national campaign to remember the victims of domestic violence however Mr Sykes and Mr Grapsas killed by alleged violence in Geelong were also included.

A cardboard sign adorned with the names of the 82 victims of domestic violence in 2024 surrounded by flowers formed the centrepiece of the sombre event.

Another sign read #ChugsLaw, a phrase initially coined by Mr Sykes’ mother Sally Veal as a rally call for knife reform.

Mr Sykes was allegedly murdered after leaving a nightclub in Geelong’s CBD in the early hours of Sunday, October 27.

Mr Grapsas was allegedly murdered on September 15 last year after leaving his home to walk his dog late at night.

A sign featuring the 82 names of domestic violence victims. Picture: Mark Wilson

National Rally Collective-led vigils took place in almost all capital cities across the country on Saturday afternoon.

Speakers read emotional poems through teary eyes.

“There will be other times for action and for anger, tonight is about love,” speaker Julie Saylor Briggs said.

Rachel Bishop speaks at the vigil on Saturday afternoon. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We are here for a common purpose.

“We are completely sick to death of the violence in our community, we deserve to be safe, we deserve to be loved.

“We can’t control everything that happens, but we can control what we do.”

Ms Bishop has organised two rallies in Geelong over the past year as Australia’s domestic violence crisis deepened, and said that Saturday’s vigil offered the community and organisers a chance to heal.

She then added “we’re choosing to honour the two men who lost their lives in this city, Paul Grapsas and Chugs”.

Attendees wrote messages of support on tarps. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We’ve also got the hashtag up there for Chugs’ law, which is a movement that is hoping got end knife violence,” Ms Bishop said.

“It’s becoming increasingly apparent, not just here, but everywhere.

“In remembering their name, we’d like you to remember the names you love.”

Ms Bishop then opened the floor for those who would like to tell their own stories.

While no one took the opportunity, crowd members began writing messages of support on a tarp provided by the organisers.

“I’m a survivor, I’m filled with rage and pain, I stand in solidarity with other survivors,” one message read.

“Your light shines – she is all of us! Never be silent,” another read.

Last weekend, Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes was remembered at an emotional funeral service attended by more than 500 mourners.

Originally published as ‘Tonight is about love’: Vigil remembers Paul Grapsas, Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes and DV victims