Kumanjayi Little Baby remembered at vigils across the country

Communities across Australia gathered on Thursday evening for candlelight vigils to honour five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose death in Alice Springs has prompted widespread grief and ongoing calls for unity and support.

Vigils were held across the country in memory of Kumanjayi Little Baby, who was allegedly murdered in Alice Springs. She went missing from the Old Timers / Ilyperenye town camp in Central Australia on April 25, triggering a large-scale search involving hundreds of volunteers. Her body was found about five kilometres south of the camp on April 30, sparking an outpouring of grief.

Key Points

Large crowds assembled in multiple cities, with many participants wearing pink — the child’s favourite colour — and carrying candles and flowers. Smoking ceremonies, moments of silence and speeches by Indigenous leaders marked the events.

Mourners wear pink during a Community vigil for Kumanjayi Little Baby in Darwin. (AAP Image/Lloyd Jones)

In Melbourne’s inner north, mourners wore pink T-shirts and ribbons during a smoking ceremony and a moment of silence, followed by addresses from Indigenous leaders. Organiser Natasha Ellis-Corrigan said the gathering, far from Alice Springs, offered a crucial space for collective mourning.

“It’s important for people to come here so they know that we are in this together,” she said. “We come together in unity, to grieve together, but also to comfort each other in times of need.”

— Natasha Ellis-Corrigan, organiser

Symbols of remembrance

In Canberra, the National Carillon was lit in pink in tribute to Kumanjayi Little Baby. Canberrans brought flowers as the capital turned into a sea of pink. Another vigil was held at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, where dozens of attendees lit candles. Organisers said the vigils were a chance for the community to honour the child and stand with her family.

Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan reflected on the impact of the girl’s death on communities nationwide, and expressed support for the family and those grieving.

“I send my love and prayers to her family,” she said. “We need to stand with them and will get through this together as a nation,” she said.

There were sombre scenes at Sydney’s Town Hall, where attendees wrote messages of grief and support for the family on a large canvas. Nearby steps were arranged with flowers, candles, a photograph and an Aboriginal flag in a public display of remembrance.

In Hobart, dozens gathered at a sunset vigil, many holding candles. Multiple ceremonies were also held across Tasmania, including in Launceston and Burnie, as communities came together in solidarity. Nala Mansell, from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, said the vigils provided an opportunity for peaceful unity and to offer strength to those in the Northern Territory during a difficult time.

Investigation, charges

Police have charged Jefferson Lewis, 47, with one count of murder and two other charges that cannot be disclosed for legal reasons. The case returns to court on July 30.

On Wednesday, Northern Territory Child Protection Minister Robyn Cahill confirmed three department staffers had been stood down following an investigation into the circumstances of Kumanjayi Little Baby’s death. The ABC understands that two of the workers have since been reinstated.

Organisers across the vigils said the gatherings were intended to honour Kumanjayi Little Baby, express solidarity with her family, and provide spaces for communities to grieve together. The widespread use of pink at the ceremonies underscored the personal tributes paid to the five-year-old, as communities stood together in remembrance.