Candles Light Up Night to Honour Melbourne Mother Brooke Stephens

Hundreds gathered in Clyde North, Melbourne's south-east, for a vigil to remember Brooke Stephens, a 29-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered in her home one week prior. The community came together at Smiths Park Playground to pay tribute to Stephens, who is survived by her two young sons.

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It's really shaken the whole, entire family.

Family members spoke at the vigil, remembering Stephens as a "beautiful, loving mother" and a "good role model." Kelly-Ann Faulkner described the devastating impact of the incident on the family, stating that Stephens' sons had lost their "best friend" and would grow up without their mother. Lachlan Timmins, another family member, tearfully recalled her as a "beautiful, loving sister."

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Her sons are in the worst place you could possibly ever think of. They won't get to grow up with their mum; they'll go to bed every night wondering where their mum is.

Brooke Stephens' partner, 32-year-old Jorden Turney, has been charged with her murder. He is scheduled to face a committal hearing in November. The alleged attack occurred inside their Clyde North home on July 26.

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A good role model to those kids.

During the vigil, organizer Em Ross highlighted the purpose of the event: to acknowledge Stephens' life, the love she received, and the profound loss felt by her family, friends, and the wider community. Attendees lit candles and raised their phone lights in solidarity, symbolizing collective love, sorrow, and a commitment to creating a safer community. Family violence campaigner Sherele Moody also attended, calling domestic and family violence a "continuing epidemic" and noting Victoria's high femicide rate this year.

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We are here to acknowledge the life she lived, the people who loved her, and the devastating loss being felt by her family, her friends and the wider community.