The new Griffith branch of Rural Australians for Refugees came brandishing signboards and leaflets to drum up support and raise awareness.

There were paper doll chains made by the children of the Sprinkles Multicultural Playgroup, and there were birdcages filled with baby dolls to ram the message home.

The vigil took place on Tuesday to coincide with World Children's Day and the end of the Kids Off Nauru campaign.

One of the activists was Anthony Catanzariti, who was keen to have his voice heard.

“It’s un-Australian not to help people in need,” Mr Catanzariti said.

“We welcome people, we support people, and we have a long history of doing that.”

Mr Catanzariti was one of the first to join the group, which only started in August this year.

He was spurred into action when he heard about the new group, having long been indignant at the treatment of refugees on Nauru.

“Is this what the Diggers fought for?” he said.

“To me when we commemorate Anzac day it’s for our values and away of life, and that includes our values of tolerance and helping people in need.”

Five children have recently been evacuated from Nauru, but more children still remain.

For that reason Salvation Army Major Lyn Cathcart said she would continue to raise her voice.

“I have an extreme passion for people no matter where they’re from,” Major Cathcart said.

“People need to have the opportunity to live, and they’re not given those opportunities when they’re stuck in a cage.”

The Federal Government has promised to evacuate the rest of the children by the end of the year, but they will not be settled in Australia.

In the past five years over 3000 people have been detained on Nauru and Manus Island. 

The Refugee Council of Australia said over 1000 still remain.