The Ipswich community came together on Sunday night to honour the life of Vyleen White, a grandmother who was fatally stabbed at Redbank Plains Town Square on the weekend.
The vigil ran from 6pm to 8:30pm on the softball fields at the Westminster Warriors Soccer Club, opposite the shopping centre. It drew a large crowd despite the short notice.
Vyleen, 70, died on the scene at the underground car park at Town Square on Saturday night while shopping with her 6-year-old granddaughter, who witnessed the attack.
Josh Addison, prospective councillor for Division 1, helped organise the vigil thanks to his connection as a Warriors management committee member.
“She was a beloved grandmother, a loving wife, and an adored mother. She loved and contributed to her community… We will not let that memory fade,” Mr Addison said.
“To the White Family, please know that our community showed up in numbers and we all stand ready to help.”
Mr Addison was not expecting the high turnout.
“That shows our community wants justice for Vyleen, and we want to make sure this never happens again.”
The event was spearheaded by Cassandra Nowlan-Fahey, 49, a lifelong Redbank Plains resident, who took to social media to rally residents together.
“I couldn’t sit back… I don’t even know this family, but my heart is broken for them.
“I had no idea what I was doing. And then I got a message from Josh [Addison], and he was brilliant. [A family friend] is collecting homemade meals, food… because obviously the family are not wanting to go to any shops right now.”
A GoFundMe page to help the family raise $5,000 was exceeded within 24 hours.
“I knew I had a great community, but this proved it.”
Samantha White, one of Vyleen’s grandchildren, responded with heartfelt gratitude.
“From our family, thank you to all who have stood by us going through this heartbreak.”
Meanwhile, thousands of concerned locals have signed a new petition for the implementation of regular police patrols at Town Square.
