More than 100 turned out for the vigil, gathering in Civic Square for speeches, music and poetry before paying their respects at Town Hall, which has been illuminated with rainbow lights since Tuesday as a show of support. 

The vigil was organised by Launceston 14-year-old Tan Peet with the support of Diversity Launceston and Working It Out.

Forty-nine were killed and a further 53 injured in the attack, which has been described as the worst on US soil since September 11, 2001.