Dressed in white, her friends, family, strangers, teammates and police detectives gathered on the sand at Terrigal beach.

“She was the heart of this community, we’re absolutely shattered,” one local told 9News.

“We’re heartbroken that she’s not with us anymore.”

In the crowd, Audrey’s mother, Kathleen Kirby was greeted with tears and hugs.

“My heart is full. As full as it can be right now,” she told 9News.

“We need change, we need a lot of change.”

“Anyone should be able to walk home at night and not be worried when they do that,” Audrey’s friend Anna Jenkins, said.

Audrey’s mother Kathleen addressed the crowd, telling them that sunset was Audrey’s favourite time of day.

As the sun set, the crowd paused to remember her.

The past month has been an emotional roller coaster for the Central Coast community.

The 19-year-old’s death was initially labelled a drowning by police and while her friends and family mourned her loss.

On Monday, 53-year-old Adrian Torrens was charged with her murder.

Tonight’s vigil will be followed by a rally on Sunday, calling the community to take a stand against violence against women.