Local Muslim woman Wynnie Jones, who was one of the speakers at the event, told the crowd they were all there to love and support one another.

"This kind of crime aims to incite hatred and create division in our community," she said. "The only reaction that can overcome the resulting fear and sadness is love and solidarity.

"I can see here at Castlemaine that they have failed. The terrorists have failed."

Read more: All are welcome, education providers reinforce after Christchurch terror attack

Fifty Muslim women, men and children were killed during a terrorist attack a Christchurch mosque last week. Another 50 people were injured. 

The youngest person killed was only three years old. 

Ms Jones said the attack in Christchurch needed to be a catalyst for a change in people's attitudes. 

"Hatred does not start with an act of terror," she said. "It starts with minimisation, microaggression and discrimination.

"It starts with someone not wanting me to wear the hijab, not wanting me to sit next to them on the tram, or yelling abuse at me in the street. 

"The Christchurch attack is simply the pinnacle of politics, policy and media rhetoric which has fostered a climate of fear, hatred and intolerance.

"We can each make a difference in our corner of the world in our daily words and actions."

Organiser Marion Yates said it was important to "speak the names" of the people who died in the attack. 

"We need to humanise them," she said. "We need to remember who they were and their stories.

"It's not just a number. It's not just a horrific death toll." 

Imam Shaik Alaa also made the trip from Heidelberg to attend the Castlemaine vigil. 

"Terrorism, evil acts will not divide us," he said. "No one will be able to divide the community that we have, to divide our love."

One of the people attending the vigil was Ilka White. She said she was there to show her solidarity to the Muslim community both in Castlemaine and around the world. 

"We want to demonstrate how strong love is in this town and in the world despite the horrific behaviour of some who are letting hate rule them," she said.

Castlemaine local Marg Peck also attended the event to show her support.  

"We've got to have piece and we've got to have compassion and we've got to come together at these times and voice our unity," she said. 

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