ON WEDNESDAY at dusk the Whitsunday community came together at the Counselling and Support centre to remember the victims of domestic violence.

Community leaders WCS ceo Graeme Kerkin, councillor Ron Petterson, Sergeant Simon Walter on behalf of Queensland police and chair at WCS chair and Liberty Church pastor Olwyn Harris attended the ceremony and lit candles in support of the victims.

May is Queensland domestic and family violence prevention month and is an initiative to raise community awareness of the issues and to send a clear message that violence of this sort won't be tolerated nor accepted within society.

Whitsunday Counselling and Support administrator Poppy Annear said the candles and the minutes of silence were a way to remember those who had lost their lives as a result of family and domestic violence.

"The month long national campaign is held on held on the first Wednesday of May, so we put on a free bbq for the community,” she said”

"People who experienced DV light candles as a symbol of support.”

"Proserpine local Agnes Boyd performed a welcome to country speech and volunteered to share her experience with domestic.

In her speech the mother of eight Ms Boyd, spoke of how she endured an abusive relationship, but "15 years later was now free of all that”, thanks the community and services such as those that WCS offer.

"WCS services and supports the Proserpine, Hamilton Island, Bowen and Collinsville communities,” Ms Annear said.

Domestic violence is a prominent issue within the Whitsunday communities, "It has a big impact in all of our areas”, she said.

On Friday May 25th, WCS will host a cheese for change eventing at Fat Frog Cafe in Cannonvale from 5.30pm-6.30pm.

"People dealing with the public are encouraged to attend, as it will provide the tools to recognise the signs and how to support people in the community.”