Red Tree Foundation, an initiative of SIDS and Kids South Australia, will host Adelaide’s first-ever free public Wave of Light Ceremony to support those affected by pregnancy or infant loss, and commemorate the little lives, on Wednesday, 15th October 2025.

Held during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (recognised worldwide), the ceremony joins others around the globe to light a candle at 7pm local time, creating a global wave of light.

The ceremony will be extended to be between 6.15pm and 8pm, with Adelaide Oval to be lit up in red as the community walks from Pinky Flat across the River Torrens to the Adelaide Convention Centre lawns.

Kari Langdon, Red Tree Foundation General Manager, says there are many who will find the ceremony healing.

“Pregnancy and infant loss touches more people than we often realise, whether through personal experience, a loved one, or in a professional role like midwifery or counselling, “says Kari. “The Wave of Light is a chance for us to come together as a community to gently honour the babies who are no longer with us. Through light and connection, we remember them with love.”

South Australian families, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend the ceremony, which will begin with speakers connected to the cause and SA Government representatives. South Australian nurses, midwives, obstetricians and anybody working in a space supporting those impacted by pregnancy and infant loss, are also encouraged to register to attend the event. All attendees will be invited to take a candle, with the Wave of Light occurring with a walk across the Riverbank Footbridge. The event will finish with a reflection by the Adelaide Riverbank. The event is free with Fleurieu Milk Company, Leigh Street Bakehouse and Menz
Confectionary kindly providing refreshments for attendees for a gold coin donation to Red Tree Foundation.

Red Tree Foundation is trusted by SA Health, SA Police and SA Ambulance as the provider for in-person counselling and bereavement support for those suddenly affected by pregnancy or child loss in South Australia. Referrals can be for the loss of a child up to 17 years old. It also provides community support group events across the year to allow for healing.

The service is available for families who have lost a pregnancy or child, and more than 200 South Australian families are supported each year. Red Tree Foundation assisted an extra eight per cent of local families in 2024 from the year prior.

“About one in four pregnancies are impacted by pregnancy loss. By fostering meaningful conversations and promoting emotional wellbeing, Wave of Light strengthens community bonds and encourages healthier outcomes for all,” says Kari.

SA Government representative, Alex Dighton MP, Member for Black, says “The impact of pregnancy loss or losing a child is truly heartbreaking. My son Clancy’s death at 9 weeks old was a devastating tragedy for my family that continues to impact us every day. By coming together as a community, we can honour our loved ones while we continue to heal. The Red Tree Foundation provides a critical service to families who have experienced loss and our government is proud to support this work.”

For the month of October, part-proceeds from select Fleurieu Milk Company products will also be donated to Red Tree Foundation, and South Australians can purchase a Red Tree bouquet from East End Flower Market to give to loved ones that may be grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant – recently, or from many years ago – with part- proceeds also provided to Red Tree. Whilst this is a free event for the South Australian community, donations are welcome to allow Red Tree Foundation to continue to provide free counselling and bereavement support services for SA families who have lost a pregnancy or child.

The Wave of Light ceremony commences at Pinky Flat on Wednesday, 15th October from 6.15pm with registrations encouraged at wave-of-light.redtreefoundation.org.au.