Forever 23 is a home‑based candlelight vigil held each year on 23 May in Gladstone, showing support for the Watson family from Calliope and all families impacted by domestic and family violence.

Joelean Watson lost their life in a domestic violence incident in December 2008, at just 23 years old. Forever 23 was created in Joelean’s memory and serves as a moment of reflection, remembrance, and community support.

At 6.00pm on Thursday 23 May, the Watson family invite the Gladstone community to take part by:

• Lighting a candle
• Taking a photo
• Sharing it on the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence – Gladstone Facebook page

This simple act is a powerful way to honour Joelean and all lives lost to domestic and family violence, while encouraging reflection on what each of us can do to help build a safer, violence‑free community.