As part of Victoria’s annual candlelight vigil for family violence, AGL’s Loy Yang cooling tower will be illuminated purple on May 5, 2021, along with several landmarks across the state.

The lighting of the 114-metre cooling tower will honour the memory of women and children who have died due to family violence in Victoria.

AGL Chief Operating Officer and Executive Sponsor AGL Equality, Markus Brokhof said the annual candlelight vigil is an important time to remember those whose lives have been tragically lost to family violence.

“We must never forget the cost of violence – at its core, it impacts families, friends and neighbourhoods but we also know that the impact is felt right across our communities,” Mr Brokhof said.

“I am deeply saddened the Gippsland region is among the highest incidences of family violence in Victoria.

“At AGL, we want all women and their families to feel safe and respected whether they are at work or in their homes.

“The candlelight vigil is also an important time to raise awareness that family violence can be experienced in many forms: verbal, physical, emotional and financial.

“As a male leader at AGL, I want to use my voice to ensure that women in our business and communities feel solidarity.

“By lighting up the night’s sky we signal to our communities that together we can make enduring change that keeps everyone safe."

The annual candlelight vigil is an initiative by Safe Steps, a Victorian organisation dedicated to providing specialist support services to anyone experiencing or afraid of family violence.

Safe Steps CEO Rita Butera welcomed the support of businesses like AGL in driving awareness that family and domestic violence can impact anyone, and that help is available.“

Through the lighting up of the Loy Yang Power Station’s Water Cooling Tower, we send a clear message that the lives lost to family and domestic violence will not be forgotten,” Ms Butera said.

“We would like to thank AGL for working with Safe Steps and enabling Gippsland to see that regardless of where you are located, there are services available for those escaping a violent relationship.”

To increase awareness, community members are invited to share a photo of the illuminated tower on social media using #lightacandle2021 and #EndDV

To view the candlelight vigil online from 6pm AEST on Wednesday 5 May visit bit.ly/lightacandle2021

If you are experiencing family violence you can call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or contact online at safesteps@safesteps.org.au. In an emergency call 000.

At AGL, we are committed to providing our employees with support services and special leave provisions when they are required. 

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