As it happened: Thousands across the country showed up for Cassius Turvey and his family

Thanks for joining us, we'll be back with more coverage of the Justice For Cassius Turvey vigils tomorrow.

Journalists are still sending in content and we will be creating videos from all the events for everyone to see.

Thousands, all across the country, showed up today for Cassius and his family.

We will keep bringing the latest updates as they fight for justice.

Goodnight.

Attendees sit in at Brisbane's King George square for their event. Credit: NITV: Keira Jenkins

Young people showed up for Cassius in Brisbane. Credit: NITV: Keira Jenkins

Brisbane's vigil is now underway, with crowds gathering at King George Square to commemorate Cassius Turvey, and some have travelled far.

Like Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood and her sister, Julia Hopkins, who travelled from Townsville to attend the rally.

The Brisbane rally for Cassius Turvey has started. Credit: NITV: Keira Jenkins

Brisbane crowd holds candles and is seated for the vigil. Credit: NITV: Keira Jenkins

NITV News has been told approximately 2,000 people are at the vigil at Sydney's Town Hall.

Lizzie Jarrett is MC. She said, "no Blak child is ever in the wrong place, at the wrong time, on their own land."

Ms Jarrett also acknowledged the late Jai Wright and TJ Hickey and "all of the sons who died before their time."

Speakers at the Sydney vigil for Cassius Turvey. Credit: NITV: Rhanna Collins

In Melbourne, Sam May spoke on behalf of his aunt Mechelle Turvey and said he was proud of Cassius.

"Just seeing that people here, coming down the streets to pay their respects to a beautiful young man and his family. It makes me proud."

"We shouldn't have to be here. I really wish I wasn't. But this environment makes me proud of my little cousin.

"We are hurting all across the country and internationally as well.

"And that's the story of the message that we're trying to bring here. This can happen to anyone.

"Why did it have to happen to my cousin? But it could happen to anyone, and it shouldn't be like that."

Sam May, Cassius' first cousin, delivered Cassius' mother's speech to the media and then answered questions.

NITV: Cameron Gooley

People are coming together near Sydney's Town Hall.

NITV: Rhanna Collins

Continuing on with Cassius' mother's statement, Ms Turvey said:

"Cassius was in hospital because of the brutal attack on the 13th of October, which eventually took his life on the 23rd October."

"A complete statement was not taken by the police from Cassius after the violent attack and there was no contact with me his mother. Why?

"I felt as [a] mum I should have been kept in the loop about the statement. The statement was incomplete, it was vital.

"Cassius was talking at the hospital and should have taken his full statement but never did."

Mechelle Turvey (centre) mother of Cassius speaks during the rally at Forrest Place in Perth. Source: AAP / Richard Wainwright

A speech written by Mechelle Turvey will be read out at rallies taking place today.

It begins:

"As mum of Cassius Turvey, I extend on behalf of my family, sincerest love and gratitude.

"The love, the generosity, the kindness, and the outpouring of tributes across the nation has been so appreciated.

"My family and I send our love to each one of you supporting, for raising voices and for showing so much kindness and respect. I am overwhelmed and eternally grateful.

"I don't want any more violence, I am the only person who can get justice for my son; stand alongside me, and I appreciate everyone, but I need to call out for calm.

"I am angry, Cassius' friends and family are angry. I don't want any form of violence at any of these rallies in the name of my child. Violence breeds violence, I want calm and peace.

"I don't want to fuel prejudices, biases. I don't want to fuel the stereotypes of First Nations people as violent.

"We knew from the early days Cassius would be a shining star. This was easily seen by his family by the way he smiled, he laughed, the way he cared about others.

"Cassius was a 'people lover' who treated everyone equally and respectfully. He was jovial, kind and his heart- larger than life."

During Monday night's vigil in Perth, one of Cassius's best friends was in tears as she described how he had always been there for others.

"Cassius was a teddy bear, or as the boys would say, a big friendly giant. He had a big heart, a big brain and big dreams," she said.

"Your name will never be forgotten. It will always be remembered.

You can find the times and locations below:

WA

• Perth, Forrest Place, 12:30pm
• Albany, Town Hall, 6:30pm
• Busselton, Foreshore Amphitheatre & Stage, 6pm
• Broome, Broome Courthouse, 3:30pm
• Bunbury, Graham Bricknell Shell, 6pm
• Carnavon, Gwoonwardu Mia, 5pm
• Roebourne, Roebourne District High School Oval, 6pm
• Geraldton, Edith Cowan Square, 2:10pm
• Kalgoorlie, Trilby Cooper Hostel, 10am
• Kellerberrin, Centenary Park, 1:30pm
• Tom Price, Lions Park, 6:30pm

NSW

• Sydney, Town Hall, 6pm
• Airds, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, 6pm
• Eden, Eden RSL, 6pm
• Mt Druitt, Cnr Carlisle Ave & Luxford Rd, 6:30pm
• Newcastle, Civic Park, 6pm
• Wagga Wagga, Ngurra Hub, 5:30pm
• Wollongong, MacCabe Park, 5:30pm
• Lavington, Mirambeena Community Centre, 6pm

Vic

• Melbourne, Aboriginal Advancement League, 6pm
• Ballarat, Alfred Deakin Place, 6pm
• Geelong, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co Op, 6pm
• Portland, Portland Skate Park, 6pm

Qld

• Brisbane, King George Square, 6pm
• Cairns, City Library lawns, 7pm
• Townsville, Strand – Rockpool, 10am

NT

• Alice Springs, Court House, 6pm
• Darwin, Rapid Creek, 5:30pm

Tas

• Launceston, Princess Park, Friday 12pm
• Hobart, Parliament House lawns, Friday 12pm

SA

• Adelaide, Victoria Square, 3:30pm

ACT

• Canberra, Aboriginal Tent Embassy, 6pm

Mechelle Turvey, mother of Cassius Turvey takes part in a smoking ceremony during a vigil for her son. Source: AAP / RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAPIMAGE

Cassius Turvey has been remembered as a devoted and charismatic friend and family member as his community in Perth lit 15 fire pits to represent a life cut tragically short.

It's estimated over 3,000 people gathered at a candlelight vigil in Weip Park, Midlands, on Monday night to mourn the teenager.

Attendees were invited to take gum leaves or branches and add them to 15 smoking fire pits arranged in a circle, each representing a year of Cassius's life.

Vigils commemorating Cassius's death will be held across the country today but Mechelle Turvey has urged attendees not to exploit her son's passing.

"We know racism exists," she said.

"But do not use my son's tragedy as a platform to blow your trumpets."

READ MORE

First vigil for Cassius Turvey draws thousands