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On Thursday night, communities across the nation were bathed in a tranquil glow of pink, as candlelight vigils took place in ovals, parks, and street corners. This shared act of remembrance was in honor of 5-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose untimely passing has touched the hearts of many.
In the heart of Alice Springs, a poignant gathering was held at ANZAC Oval. There, Leanne Liddle, the Executive Director of Cultural Reform at Northern Territory Police, stepped up to the stage. She delivered a heartfelt message from Kumanjayi’s mother, capturing the profound sorrow that has enveloped her family.
“I want you all to know that my heart is broken into a million pieces,” Kumanjayi’s mother expressed through Liddle. “I am struggling to understand how to mend it or how to continue living without my little baby.”
The evening was marked by silent tears and quiet reflections, as thousands mourned together, united in their grief and support for Kumanjayi’s family during this tragic time.
“I am having trouble knowing how I can repair it [and] how I can live without my little baby.”
“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.