On Thursday night, a poignant scene unfolded across the nation as parks, ovals, and street corners were bathed in a soft, pink glow from flickering candlelight.
This heartfelt vigil was a testament to the sorrow shared by thousands over the loss of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. The air was heavy with silent tears, each one a symbol of the profound grief gripping communities far and wide.
In Alice Springs, a significant moment came when Leanne Liddle, the Executive Director of Cultural Reform at Northern Territory Police, addressed the gathering at ANZAC Oval. She conveyed a deeply personal message from Kumanjayi’s mother.
“I want you all to know that my heart is shattered into a million pieces,” she expressed, her words resonating with the weight of her loss. “I am struggling to find a way to mend it and to imagine life without my little baby.”
As the community gathered to support her in her grief, she added, “I ask that as we navigate this sorrow, we look up to the night sky and locate the brightest star, knowing Kumanjayi Little Baby is now in heaven.”
“I ask as I move through my grief, lets look up to the night sky and find the brightest star where Kumanjayi Little Baby is now in heaven.
“I ask everyone to take care of your little ones.”
Maya Cifali has lived in Alice Springs for 40 years, and she says the display of community spirit following Kumanjayi Little Baby’s death is unlike anything she has seen before.
“It is the first time that such a community spirit is felt for all of us,” the 89-year-old told said.
“This event, we hope, will not ever be seen or heard again.”
Ms Cafali was one of around a thousand people to attend the vigil at ANZAC oval in Alice Springs.
Across the country thousands more attended similar events held in around 35 locations across capital cities, regional towns and remote communities.
Menang Woman of the Noongar Nation, Megan Krakouer, organised the vigil held in Boorloo Perth.
She said she hoped it would be an opportunity to stand in “solidarity, kindness, love and respect” with the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby and all those mourning her loss.
“This has hurt the hearts of many right across the country whether you are black, white or brown”, she said.
“It’s about humanity, it’s about kindness… it impacts on many of us, particularly something as horrific as this.”
The body of Kumanjayi Little Baby was found on Thursday 30 April, five days after she went missing from the Old Timers town camp, south of Alice Springs.
The five day search for the 5-year-old was the largest search the Northern Territory has seen in more than two decades.
Her family requested mourners wear pink at vigils as it was her favourite colour.
Jefferson Lewis has been charged with her murder and two other offences that cannot be published due to legal reasons.
The 47-year-old was expected to appear at Alice Springs Local Court via video link from Darwin on Tuesday, but was excused at the request of his lawyer.
His next court appearance set down for July 30.
