Lives lost before they'd even begun, lives stolen by incomprehensibly evil acts, of people I know, know of, and of people close to those I love.

We've seen the very best and the very worst of humanity this week, and the way our communities have banded together in this time of loss gives me hope for the future.

The murder of Stephanie Scott has rocked every community in Australia and solidified our anger at the gendered violence that's taken the lives on average of two women a week this year.

My heart is full of lead but also buoyed by the outpouring of love shown for her grieving family and partner in the yellow balloons tied to her school gates, in candles lit in homes around Australia and in kind tributes online.

I hope one day you can find closure and peace.

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I was talking to an elderly gentlemen at Cowra's Relay for Life on the weekend as his wife walked around Sid Kallas Oval on the survivors and carers lap. He wasn't very mobile and he told me she'd survived more cancers than he could name, yet there they were, still out supporting the cause.

There are so many charities and events these days that are a drain on our resources and time, it's easy to get fatigued.

Congratulations to all the people who gave up their weekend and countless hours before hand to make this year's Relay a success.

If your true wealth is the good you do in the world, you guys are sitting on a gold mine.

Even this coach potato plans on walking with you next time. I'd better start training now.

katie.burgess@fairfaxmedia.com.au