A GROUP of locals concerned about the wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention centres will hold a candlelit vigil next Thursday evening.

The group is inviting those who would like to express compassion towards asylum seekers to join them in Leslie Park for a time of information and reflection.

"Recent tragic events on Manus Island have highlighted the need to ensure humane treatment and swift processing of asylum seeker claims," organiser Sue Hamlet said.

"We are concerned that a dehumanising process occurs when people are incarcerated indefinitely and especially worried about the children who are at risk."

The peaceful, low-key event aims to look beyond partisan politics and religious views.

"It's an expression of compassion for a people, not an opportunity to bag individuals who are caught up in the process," she said.

"We see this as a positive thing to do, to advance the interests of people who seek their basic human rights."

The creation of a banner on which Warwick people can add their name and/or a message is planned in conjunction with Light the Park.

Mrs Hamlet will be travelling to Canberra the day after the event in the hopes of presenting the banner to federal member Bruce Scott.

Ultimately the group would like to see the banner residing where asylum seekers can be comforted by the message of compassion and support.

Guest speaker Mark Copland, from the Toowoomba Social Justice Commission, brings a wealth of experience with refugees to the event.

Light the Park will be emceed by Cr Neil Meiklejohn and include poems and readings appropriate to the message of compassion and human rights.

 WHEN: 6.30pm Thursday, 20 March 20.

 WHERE: Leslie Park Youth Space.

 INQUIRIES: Sue Hamlet 0427 619 381 Val Gray 0409 611 930.