DETERMINED to transform the deep impact of the loss of Samantha Fraser “into tangible and positive change”, her friends and their supporters started the ‘Change for Sam’ initiative in pursuit of a community free from gendered violence.

Last Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, the group staged their annual vigil in Cowes to remember and honour those who have been killed by domestic and family violence.

And, also, to remember Sam.

The Phillip Island health professional and mother of three was murdered by her estranged husband at her home in July 2018.

Speaking at the vigil, moved inside to the Berninneit Cultural Centre from the Jetty Triangle at Cowes due to the wet weather, Change for Sam coordinator Lija Matthews thank everyone for coming and those who had contributed to the success of the night.

“Thanks for coming it means a lot, not only to me, but also to those of you who have lived through family violence. You are not alone,” said Ms Matthews.

“Sam was a wonderful, talented person and we started Change for Sam because of the gaps in the support available.”

Ms Matthews spoke about one of the group’s main initiatives, the development of a personal safety devise, which is available through the Change for Sam website.

“We now have 142 of those devices out there.”

Ms Matthews thanked the Bass Coast Shire Council for its on-going support, Phillip Island Nature Parks, the Phillip Island Advertiser and Westernport Water, also Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary who not only cooked and supplied the BBQ sausages but also made a donation of $2000 to the cause.

Travis Thompson played guitar and Phillip Island Cookery Box provided the desserts.

Cr Ron Bauer spoke briefly about the impact of family violence on the community and also delivered the welcome to country at the start of the night.

The event mainly consisted of upwards of 150 members of the community coming along and supporting the vigil ands taking the opportunity to share their experiences and talk about how the increasing problem might be better addressed via prevention measures as much as the response to incidents of family violence.

“Thanks for coming. Thanks for remembering Sam and thanks for standing up for love, safety and change,” said Ms Matthews, declaring afterwards that the annual vigil would continue.