Light up to raise awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

15 June 2026

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is a day to voice opposition to the abuse of older people. It is an annual initiative launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organisation.

WEAAD is commemorated each year on June 15 to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society – elder abuse.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act – or lack of appropriate action – occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

The six abuse subtypes are commonly recognised as financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse (otherwise known as emotional abuse), social abuse and neglect.

Most often, elder abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person, with two thirds of abusers being an adult child. Abusers can also be other family members, relatives, or friends.

Many people do not discuss their concerns with others because of feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, the involvement of family members or fear they will be institutionalised. Some people may not realise what they are experiencing is abuse or feel that somehow it is their fault.

Light up to raise awareness for elder abuse

This WEAAD, UnitingCare has been able to advocate for some council buildings and other landmarks to light up their assets purple to raise awareness for elder abuse.

Brisbane

Brisbane City Council will light up these assets on 14 June:
- Story Bridge
- Victoria Bridge
- Kangaroo Point Bridge
- the Reddacliff Place sculptures Donna Marcus: Steam 2006
- Wickham Terrace Car Park architectural wall
- Breakfast Creek and Yowoggera Bridges Newstead
- City Hall
- Sandgate Town Hall
Queensland Performing Arts Centre in South Brisbane on 15 June
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will be lit purple on 15 June
The Gabba Stadium in Woolloongabba, Brisbane on 15 June
Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will be lit up purple on 15 June
Royal on the Park Hotel & Suites in Brisbane on 15 June

Pictured: The Gabba in Brisbane lit purple

South-East Queensland

Redlands City Council will light up the Cleveland Lighthouse on 15 June
City of Moreton Bay will light up these assets on 14 June
- Caboolture Administration Building at 2 Hasking Street Caboolture
- Redcliffe Administration Building at 1 Irene Street, Redcliffe
- Scarborough Seat located under the tree at Scarborough Beach Park, Scarborough
South Burnett Regional Council’s Kingaroy CBD Lighting will be lit purple on 15 June
Lockyer Valley Regional Council will light up on 15 June
- Gatton Administration Building
- Laidley Cultural Centre
City of Ipswich will light up 1 Nicholas Street Façade and Ipswich Civic Centre on 14 June

Gold Coast and Tweed Heads

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach on 15 June
Skypoint Gold Coast will be lit purple on 15 June
City of Gold Coast will light up these assets on 15 June:
- Isle of Capri Bridge, Surfers Paradise
- Surfers Paradise sign at the beach end of Cavill Mall
- Decorative garden lighting along the Surfers Paradise foreshore
- Broadbeach sign in Victoria Park
- Decorative lighting in Victoria Park, Broadbeach
Twin Towns at 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads on 15 June
Cbus Super Stadium in Robina on 15 June

Central Queensland

Longreach Regional Council will light up the Longreach Water Tower from 10 to 15 June 2026
Barcaldine Regional Council will light the Tree of Knowledge at Oak Street, Barcaldine purple on 15 June
Rockhampton Regional Council’s Heritage Façade lighting will be lit up on 15 June

Mackay region

Mackay Regional Council will light up the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building on 15 June
Isaac Regional Council will light up Town Square Avenue, Moranbah on 15 June

Wide Bay–Burnett region

Bundaberg Regional Council will light up the School of Arts on 15 June
Fraser Coast Regional Council will light up Maryborough City Hall on 15 June

Darling Downs & South-West Queensland

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Annex at the rear of City Hall and Victoria Street Bridge on 15 June
Balonne Shire Council will light up the Giant Murray Cod Fish Sculpture at Albert Street, St George QLD on 15 June
Maranoa Regional Council will light up these assets on the 15 June
- Festoon and tree lights in McDowall Street
- The Big Rig at 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

Pictured: Rotary Park Fountain in Ingham lit purple

North Queensland

Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville will be lit up purple on 15 June
Townsville City Council will light up:
- Townsville sign
- Victoria Bridge
- Wharton Reef Lighthouse
- George Roberts Bridge
- Old Magistrates Court House
- Central Park Boardwalk
- Little Fletcher Bridge
Hinchinbrook Shire Council will light up these assets on 15 June:
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council office foyer
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council fountain
- Rotary Fountain in Ingham

How to get involved with WEAAD

To show support, you may choose to wear purple, the official colour of WEAAD, on 15 June. Purple was chosen as it represents wisdom, dignity, independence and creativity.

During the week of June 15, individuals and communities throughout Queensland will come together and show their support by hosting and attending a wide range of activities where people will have the opportunity to learn about elder abuse, it’s impacts and older people’s human rights.

You can find details of WEAAD events, visit seniorsenquiryline.com.au/news-and-events/events.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) has created a WEAAD toolkit as a go to for information and links to support for anyone witnessing or experiencing elder abuse in Queensland. You can download it and other WEAAD resources at cotaqld.org.au/weaad

If you suspect elder abuse is happening, don’t wait for proof.

Call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referral support.
Visit the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit website for more information.

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Light up to raise awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

15 June 2026

What is elder abuse?