On Friday 7 November 2025, widowed people from across Queensland will gather at the Brisbane Marriott Hotel for a full day of connection, conversation, and community.
When Molly lost her husband at 33, she kept putting one foot in front of another to be there for her children, but felt like she just wasn’t finding her way through her grief.
“I didn’t realise that I’d been holding it in for so long, just helping my kids, doing my job and going. But (attending a First Light event) was amazing, it started me on my healing journey that paid professionals just weren’t cutting through,” she recalls.
“They were saying all the right things, I was reading all the books, I was on all the forums but I just felt alone. And I didn’t feel alone after that.”
Stories like Molly’s are heartbreakingly common, but opportunities to connect with others who share the lived experience of widowhood are not. That’s why First Light’s upcoming Brisbane Widowed Support Event, will be a lifeline.
Why This Event Matters
Rebecca Adams, CEO of First Light Widowed Support, said the event was designed for widowed people, by widowed people, to create a safe and supportive space where participants are supported by others with a perspective of lived experience.
“Widowed people who attend our events often tell us this is the first time they’ve met someone else who has walked this path and truly gets it,” Rebecca said.
“That sense of recognition and validation, of not having to explain yourself, is incredibly powerful.”
Events of this kind are rare in Australia, and often the only chance people have to meet others in a similar situation.
What the Day Offers
The Brisbane event promises:
- Guest speakers sharing insights on grief and rebuilding life.
- Practical resources to support widowed people at every stage of their journey.
- Lunch and afternoon tea with plenty of time for connection
- Social and networking opportunities to build friendships that last beyond the day.
The event isn’t about “moving on” or “getting over it.” It’s about finding hope, connection, and strength in the company of others who understand.
“This has helped me be a better parent to my children who were grieving,” said Molly.
“It is the only time that I get to be me. Be a widow. Being a part of First Light was really the first chance I had to look at my own grief – it was the only place that I felt safe to do so.
“I was scared to go, but coming to the events, and the relationships I formed online, helped me more than anything else.”
Event details
Venue: Brisbane Marriott Hotel, 515 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Date: Friday 7 November 2025, 9:00am to 4pm, followed by an informal social activity.
More information & registration: First Light Widowed Support
