Messages and candlelight illuminated the bridge during last year’s event, creating a moving tribute.
If you’ve lost someone over the past year, GV Hospice is offering a quiet place to pause, remember and reflect.
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Its annual Community Candlelight Memorial will take place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Wednesday, May 14, at the amphitheatre behind the Shepparton Art Museum.
The event invites people to light a battery-operated candle and write a message of remembrance. All materials will be supplied.
The Divine Divas, Deb McAlloon and Sue Windsor will perform on the night, along with bagpiper Alexander McKinnon from Shepparton Brass and Wind.
A free barbecue will be run by the Mooroopna Lions Club, with a coffee van on site for those wanting a warm drink. Bottled water will also be provided.
GV Health community engagement and volunteer co-ordinator Maree Chin said the memorial was open to all community members, regardless of their faith or beliefs.
“We used to have this event in the church but Shepparton being a multicultural place, we moved the event to the amphitheatre (behind SAM),” she said.
“We want to make sure everyone feels welcome.”
Alexander McKinnon from Shepparton Brass and Wind performing on the bagpipes
Ms Chin said the event began in the aftermath of COVID to support those who had been unable to grieve properly during restrictions, creating a space for remembrance where people could feel supported.
“This is an event for the whole community, not just those who have been connected with GV Hospice,” GV Hospice chief executive Wendy Ross said.
“We hope to have many people come and spend time with other members of the community to remember and celebrate their loved ones.
“The memorial will be flexible.
“Some people may wish to come for a short time, light a candle and leave, others may wish to stay for the hour to listen to live background music, enjoy the barbecue and feel supported by the wider community.”
The amphitheatre filled with song, stillness and shared remembrance last year.
Former police chief Ian Bull will serve as master of ceremonies.
“The opportunity for a family to formally and respectfully say their goodbyes, to give thanks and to celebrate a life lived, with the support of family and friends, is a very important part of the grieving and healing processes,” he said.
“This memorial event will hopefully provide a sense of comfort and re-assurance to those who are still hurting, in the knowledge that our community stands with them”.
If the weather is poor, the event will move to GV Hospice at 102 Balaclava Rd, Shepparton. Updates will be shared via gvhospice.org.au and Facebook @GVHospice.
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