Join us for a very special celebration marking 48 years of The Compassionate Friends Victoria as we honour lives lost and illuminate the path forward for grieving families.
Set against the sparkling Melbourne skyline at night, Illuminate 48 invites you on a memorable boat cruise departing from Docklands. With music, dancing, lights, shared stories, and a welcoming community, this event celebrates connection, remembrance, and finding moments of light alongside others.
Our event is proudly supported by Party Boat Cruises. Claire from Party Boats shares her story of sibling loss, “My mum lost my baby sister when she was pregnant with me, and it changed everything about how she parented. I grew up knowing someone was missing and so sad that I didn’t have the opportunity to know her. A big thank you to TCFV for all you do to support bereaved families.”
Please note that this event includes music, dancing, and a more upbeat atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to attend; however, if you have been recently bereaved, you may wish to consider whether this event feels right for you at this stage.
You might be seeking a quieter atmosphere that allows opportunities to reflect upon and express your grief (that can be found in an in-person or online support group).
As a guide, we generally find these events become more comfortable for people when they are two+ years into their bereavement.
EVENT DETAILS
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Cruise departs from 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands (a short walk from Southern Cross Station)
Tickets: $80pp – (includes: a free ticket for a lucky door prize, 3-hour boat cruise, canapés, grazing table, with 2 complimentary drinks – beer/wine/soft drink. Other drinks at bar prices)
Raffle – Win a Maxwell & Williams Dinner and Cutlery Set. Value of $1000
Be in the draw to win a luxury Dinner and Cutlery Set.
Star Wall Dedications
As part of the evening, guests can honour their loved ones on our beautiful Star Wall of Light. Each star will include a name, memory, or message and becomes part of our shared constellation of remembrance.
☆ $25 Shooting Star
★ $50 Shining Star
☆ $100 Supanova Star
Stars can be pre-purchased if you’re unable to attend or purchased on the night. All dedications will be lovingly displayed and can include your loved one’s name and a short message. Let their light shine with us.
Why Illuminate?
This event is more than a night out. It’s about lighting the way through grief.
Funds raised will directly support the ongoing work of TCFV in providing life-changing peer support to parents, siblings and grandparents grieving the death of a child, sibling or grandchild . Every ticket purchased helps ensure no family walks this journey alone.
Book Your Ticket & Join Us: Spaces are limited – book your tickets today for your family, friends and colleagues.
Are you a current TCFV volunteer or a Friendship circle member? Go to the following link to access your special offer.