A heartfelt vigil took place at Terrigal beach to honour 19-year-old Audrey Griffin, who was tragically murdered on the New South Wales Central Coast. Dressed in white, a large gathering of friends, family, local residents, and police detectives assembled on the sand, expressing their grief over the loss of a young woman described as the heart of the community. One local expressed the collective devastation, stating, “We’re absolutely shattered.”
Audrey’s mother, Kathleen Kirby, was welcomed with tears and embraces from those in attendance. She shared her sorrow, saying her heart was as full as it could be under the circumstances and emphasized the urgent need for societal change to ensure that everyone can walk home safely at night. A friend of Audrey’s, Anna Jenkins, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for a safer environment for all.
The emotional gathering serves as a poignant tribute to Audrey, who was initially thought to have drowned when her body was discovered half-submerged in Erina Creek. In a significant turn, 53-year-old Adrian Torrens has since been charged with her murder, leading to an outpouring of grief in the community.
As dusk settled, Audrey’s loved ones took a moment to reflect on her life, sharing memories and love amid the sadness. The ongoing emotional turmoil in the Central Coast community highlights the profound impact of the tragedy. The vigil, which was just the beginning of the community’s response, was set to be followed by a rally advocating for action against violence towards women. The deep sense of loss and the call for change reflect the desire for a safer, more just world for all women.