The enduring legacy of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial

In 1984, under the gloomy, rain-slicked skies of Melbourne, two men quietly sparked a movement that would resonate for decades to come. On what was then Platform 14 of Flinders Street Station — now known as Federation Square — Phil Carswell and Tom Carter stood side by side, holding candles against the darkness. Their simple yet powerful vigil was a protest against the indifference surrounding a growing tragedy: the AIDS epidemic.

Both men, founders of the Victorian AIDS Council in 1983, were frustrated by the sluggish response from state and federal governments to the crisis that was already claiming hundreds of lives across Australia. Their candlelit stand was inspired by a powerful protest in San Francisco, where activists had chained themselves to a civic building in March of that year, demanding action against the epidemic that was ravaging their community.

Phil and Tom’s act of defiance lit more than just candles — it ignited a movement. Their call for better care, education, and urgent action struck a deep chord within the affected communities. From that night forward, the tradition of the Candlelight Memorial took root. Next year, in 1985 the first mass Candlelight Memorials were held in Melbourne and Sydney, spreading to cities across Australia and becoming an annual reminder of resilience, remembrance, and advocacy.

Marching through memory: A personal reflection

I vividly recall participating in one of these powerful vigils in May 1993. The streets of Melbourne were alive with a spirit of remembrance and resistance. Joined by Victorian Minister for Health Caroline Hogg, staff and volunteers from the AIDS Council, and thousands of others, we marched down Collins Street — specially closed to traffic for the event — on our way to the historic Royal Exhibition Building.

Inside, newly crafted panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were laid out tenderly by the friends and families of those recently lost. At the peak of the AIDS crisis, with hundreds of deaths reported in every state, this gathering became a sacred space for collective mourning and healing. Media coverage was widespread, and the crowd that night was estimated at a staggering 10,000 people — all united by the common cause of love, remembrance, and hope.

Why the candle still burns

Today, Candlelight Memorials are more modest in scale. Thanks to decades of tireless advocacy, Australia now boasts comprehensive National AIDS Strategies and access to effective treatments that have transformed HIV into a manageable condition for many. Yet the Candlelight Memorial remains as crucial as ever.

Each year, it offers a space for grief and solidarity — a time to remember friends and family lost to HIV/AIDS and to honour the resilience of those living with the virus today. For some, it is also a moment to contribute a panel to the ever-growing AIDS Memorial Quilt, weaving personal stories into a powerful collective tapestry.

Importantly, the vigils continue to serve another vital function: they affirm the visible support of the broader community. They remind people with HIV that they are seen, valued, and celebrated — an antidote to the lingering stigma that can still wound deeply.

Join the Movement

If you would like to honour someone you’ve lost to HIV/AIDS or stand in solidarity with those living with HIV, consider taking part in this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Events are happening across the country on Sunday 18 May — a night to remember, to support, and to keep the flame of hope alive.

Together, we can ensure that the light first lit on a rainy Melbourne night in 1984 continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

City by city

Adelaide

Sunday 18 May

Positive Life SA, SAMESH and Thorne Harbour Health are holding the SA Candlelight Memorial event from 5:00pm onwards at 57 Hyde Street, Adelaide.

Family and friends are invited to remember those they have lost to HIV/AIDS. We will dedicate a part of this event to celebrating still being here and people with HIV are invited to share this journey of resilience.

Alice Springs

Sunday 18 May

Time: 9am to 1pm

Location: Todd Mall Markets

In recognition of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2025, NTAHC will have a stall at the Todd Mall Markets where they will be giving out beeswax candles as symbols of remembrance and hope. They will also have two large easels where members of the community can write a message. They will also provide hot drinks to create a space for reflection, solidarity and support.

Canberra

Sunday 18 May

Meridian invites our communities to come together to reflect and remember at Canberra’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at The Theatrette, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Doors will open at 3.15pm, with the event commencing at 3.30pm.

RSVP here: Canberra’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2025 – Meridian

Darwin

Sunday 18 May

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Dudley Point, East Point (Grass area overlooking the ocean)

As the sun sets over the ocean, join NTAHC to pay respects to those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, honour our long-term survivors, and show support for all people living with HIV.

Link to Facebook event – https://www.facebook.com/share/193KTMSqsk/

Melbourne

Sunday 18 May

Positive Living Centre, 51 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

Afternoon tea from 4:00pm with the event starting at 5:00pm.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on our YouTube channel.

For more info and to register, head to:

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: 40th Anniversary – Living Positive Victoria

Perth

There will be gathering at the AIDS Memorial in Robertson Park in Perth at 5:30pm, where there will be guest speakers from WAAC and the community, a walk through the memorial garden, and the laying of the candles.

We encourage you to come along and show your support for those who have passed, and for those still affected by HIV.

A free coffee van will be provided on the night for warm drinks.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Sydney

Sunday 18 May

Positive Life NSW in partnership with ACON will once again be hosting this annual event.

This year the Sydney Candlelight Memorial takes place ay at a new location: The Music Workshop at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 1 Conservatorium Road, Sydney NSW.

Service: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Refreshments: 4:00pm to 4.45pm

RSVP Essential
contact@positivelife.org.au or (02) 8357 8386 by Tuesday 13 May 2025

https://www.positivelife.org.au/latest-news/sydney-candlelight-memorial/8383/

Tasmania

TasCAHRD is asking people in Tasmania what the AIDS Candlelight Memorial means to them and what messages of support or personal reflection they might like to offer our community. These messages will be shared on an online candlelight vigil on Sunday 18 May.

Honour the life of an HIV positive person who has passed away here: https://forms.office.com/r/CV0ZY8dQjD

All images courtesy of Australian Queer Archives (AQuA). Special thanks to Beau Newham.