Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Belgians show support at Melbourne vigil

Dozens of Belgians have gathered in Melbourne at a vigil to mark the victims of the Brussels attacks.

Candles for victims of the bomb attacks in Belgium

Melbourne-based Belgians will show solidarity with their compatriots by holding a candlelight vigil. (AAP)

Belgians a long way from home in Melbourne say they want to show their home country support in the wake of the Brussels terror attacks.

Dozens of Belgians have gathered in Federation Square to pay their respects to those who died in the Tuesday attacks.

"To show Belgium, our home country, after all that we want to have a day of remembrance and mourning about the victims of the tragedy," Belgian Club of Victoria president Dirk Dhont told AAP on Saturday.

"Everybody is still shocked and sad."

Bianca Dhollander brought her three sons along, after they had been asking questions about the attacks.

"It's very sad that something like this happens," she told AAP.

"Especially for the children, I think it's important for them.

"To understand it and to know that they're not alone so far away from Belgium."

Pierre Van Osselaer, the honorary consul for Belgium in Melbourne, said Belgians felt safe in Australia and back home.

"Talking to some of members of my family they still feel safe in Belgium as well," he told AAP.

"You cannot simply give in... we've got to keep our daily lives."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world