A warm glow cut through the cold night air at the candlelight vigil for Eurydice Dixon on Wednesday evening.
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Parent and speaker at the vigil, Lauren Kelly said the story of Eurydice Dixon was so galvanising because of how ordinary and familiar it was.
“We have all been that young person walking home. We’ve all sent the text saying 'almost home'," Ms Kelly said.
"There have been 31 women murdered in Australia in the first 24 weeks of the year. 31 women like Eurydice, this year alone. We are here to remember them.”
The alleged rape and murder of Eurydice Dixon has renewed an ongoing and difficult conversation about violence against women and how it is men, not women who need to change their behaviour.
"Men have a special power in being the agents of change. We here know that for change to occur, and for our homes and our streets to be safer, we need men and women to work together. For our men to set the standard and not to remain silent," said Ms Kelly.
A few parents at Bowral Public School had discussed the idea of a vigil when fellow parent and Pastor Michael Earl offered the Bowral Uniting Church forecourt as a space.
"We all had the same thought," said one teacher from the school.
It was a chance for parents and friends from the school to gather in their shock and disbelief, remembering Ms Dixon and all victims of violence.
"It is in being with others that we can seek support and comfort where we might otherwise feel helplessness," said Ms Kelly.
Church bells rang 22 times following a minute of silence and reflection, recognising the 22 years of Ms Dixon's young life
