Victorian State Vigil
A multifaith vigil to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack will be held at 11.15am on Thursday, 22 January at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Victorian State Vigil (the Vigil) is part of the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack - a day for all Australians to come together to grieve, remember, and stand against antisemitism and hate.
Victorians, along with the rest of the nation, are invited to come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds. You can also leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community.
In a gathering of unity and remembrance, political and multifaith leaders from across Victoria will come together, including from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities to honour the victims and all those impacted by the attack.
The Vigil will be an opportunity for Victorians to pause, to remember, and light a candle in honour of those who lost their lives - and to encourage peace and an end to hatred.
Statement from the Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
I encourage every Victorian to observe Australia's National Day of Mourning. I ask us to stand together in grief, in solidarity and in hope - to honour the lives lost in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and to hold their families, friends and communities close.
There are many ways you can pause, reflect and mourn. You can attend our Victorian State Vigil, or stream it online. You can attend a local event in your community. You can share a meal with family and friends. You can leave a candle on your doorstep or windowsill. You can perform a mitzvah, a small deed of good service. You can worship. You can observe a moment's silence. Above all, you can keep a grieving community in your heart.
Jews in our state and across our country deserve safety, like every other Australian. They deserve the dignity of a peaceful life, true to their spirit, without being singled out, isolated or hurt. The evils of antisemitism continue to threaten this fundamental right to safety and peace. No matter who you are, no matter your background, this is everyone's fight - because in our multicultural society, an attack on one is an attack on all.
On Australia's National Day of Mourning, and on every other day, we will stand with our Jewish community against violence, hate and antisemitism - and we will work with the community to restore peace, safety and dignity for all.
Statement from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria
The entire Jewish community is grieving following the unimaginable attack at last month’s Chanukah event in Sydney. We are a very small and close-knit community, and the events of December 14 shattered all of our sense of safety and left us feeling vulnerable. But the Jewish people have overcome significant challenges in the past and our local Jewish community will do so again.
What has helped us the most during this dark time is the outpouring of support from across our state. The bunches of flowers left outside synagogues, the messages of support sent to Jewish organisations, the kind words and warm hugs for a Jewish neighbour or friend. We share our grief with all Victorians, and now we call on all Victorians to walk with us towards a safer, kinder future.
Philip Zajac, President, Jewish Community Council of Victoria
Event Details
Date
Thursday 22 January 2026
Time
Doors open at 10.15am.
The Vigil Service will commence at 11.15am.
Location
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral
Corner Flinders Street & Swanston Street, Melbourne
Melbourne, 3000
View location on Google Maps
Tickets
Ticket registrations are not required but there is limited seating in the venue.
Live stream
The Victorian State Vigil will be live streamed on St Paul’s Cathedral webpage for those unable to attend.
How to get there
By car
There is no on-site parking available at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Limited metred street parking is available in the area around Melbourne Town Hall.
By public transport
The closest train station is Flinders Street Station. St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is approximately a 4-minute walk from Flinders Street Station.
The nearest tram stop is Stop 5 Swanston St/Flinders St, serviced by trams no. 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 70, 72, 75 and the City Circle.
Please check the PTV website for up-to-date information about public transport on the day.
National Day of Mourning Details
In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, flags will be flown at half-mast at all Commonwealth and Victorian Government buildings and from dusk, landmark buildings across Victoria will also be lit up in white as a symbol of light, as we move forward as a nation.
At 7.01pm, Australians are also invited to observe a minute of silence to remember the 15 innocent people whose lives and futures were cruelly stolen on 14 December 2025.
Victorians are also encouraged to:
- come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds
- leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community
- undertake one or more of the 15 suggested Mitzvah for Bondi.
To find out more visit the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
Updated