Events
Upcoming online and in-person events hosted, organised or supported by network members
The Mourning After Exhibition
The Mourning After is an exhibition that explores the many forms of grief—personal, collective, and environmental—through rituals and creative practices. Featuring the work of 12 contemporary artists, it offers a reflective space for connection and conversation, supported by workshops that delve into how creativity can help us process loss. Themes include ecological and anticipatory grief, mourning as ritual, and grief as a lifelong journey.
Curated by Larissa Hjorth and supported by the Australian Research Council, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider grief as a shared cultural experience that can help us envision more hopeful futures.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-mourning-after-exhibition
Tending to Grief
Grief is not only personal--it is also collective, woven into our shared stories.
Let us listen to what our grief is trying to tell Led by Berna Koker Poljak.
The sessions will be held online via Zoom.
Pre-registration required.
Pilot Program - Supporting End of Life Doula’s and their clients
We are very happy to share a new opportunity from Critical Info which we hope will benefit some of our End of Life Doula members who are currently supporting people in the community.
Critical Info have partnered with Sustainable Funerals (see below for info about these organisations) to provide free access to the Critical Info Platform to both client and doula.
This means they can start to learn about how beneficial the Platform can be and also help people in the process.
This is a Pilot program and will need to be evaluated, and it will require commitment; Critical Info will be putting on a free webinar to explain all about how this will work. If that appeals to you, and you have availability through September and October, read on!
Pilot Program - Supporting End of Life Doula’s and their clients
Presented by Critical Info & Sustainable Funerals Group
Who is Critical Info?
Critical Info is an Australian social enterprise with a secure, step-by-step online tool, the Critical Info Platform, that helps people organise their wishes, important documents, key contacts, and memories so they and their families are better prepared for life transitions and ultimately, end-of-life.
Who is Sustainable Funerals Group?
The Sustainable Funerals Group represents a Group of charities and not-for-profit's working to bring greater sustainability, transparency, and choice into the funeral industry. They focus on reducing the environmental impact of funerals, educating around eco-friendly practices, and supporting communities to rethink how death care can be delivered in more ethical and sustainable ways. Their work includes provision of quality funeral services to financially distressed families, promoting natural burials, biodegradable products, and consumer awareness around funeral rights.
See the Critical Info Platform in action:
Intro demo video: Introduction to Critical Info
Special offer:
For Doulas
Free lifetime subscription to the Critical Info Platform (code supplied at checkout), provided at no cost by Critical Info.
Free webinar training across three sessions (September 2025).
A supportive community space with resources, events, podcasts and videos.
Professional development you can put into practice straight away.
For the Clients of those Doulas
Free lifetime subscription to the Critical Info Platform (code supplied at checkout).
Sponsored by the Sustainable Funerals Group
Free digital copy of the guide My Loved One Died, What Do I Do Now?, provided at no cost by Critical Info.
A supportive community space with resources, events, podcasts and videos.
Eligibility & commitments
Doulas must have active clients in the end-of-life planning phase.
All Critical Info Profiles completed within 8 weeks of pilot commencement.
All recipients complete a short evaluation survey within 2 weeks of finishing their Profile.
Commitment to the pilot for eight consecutive weeks.
Training schedule (all sessions recorded)
Tue 9 Sept, 7:00pm Webinar 1: Critical Info Familiarity
• Intro to end-of-life planning • Platform walkthrough • Role of End-of-Life Doulas in planningThu 11 Sept, 7:00pm Webinar 2: How to Support End-of-Life Planners
• Grief-informed, values-based conversations • Handling sensitive topics • Referral pathways & third-party support • Cultural & emotional considerationsWed 24 Sept, 7:00pm Webinar 3: Supporter Q&A Session
• Case studies • Role-play & script-building • Implementation questions
How Critical Info will measure impact
To understand what’s working, they will ask you to complete two short surveys (before and after).
These use well-known evaluation tools: the Death Literacy Index and the Coping with Death Scale.
Ready to join the pilot program session?
Complete the Expression of Interest form here.
This opportunity is available for the first 100 eligible applicants.
Shortlisted applicants receive voucher codes and webinar links by email.
Opportunity closes 5pm AEST Fri 5 September.
The Art of Dying
You and a guest of your choice are invited to ‘The Art of Dying 2025’
An Invitation-Only Fundraising Exhibition Opening Art, Generosity, and Community—Supporting Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Please join us for a glass of Hentley Farm bubbles or wine on arrival as we open the doors to our third Art of Dying exhibition—an afternoon of art, poetry, and purpose in support of Pure Land Home Hospice.
We’re also thrilled to welcome Mike Ladd—acclaimed poet, essayist, and former ABC Radio producer—as our special guest. Mike will share a selection of his reflective work during the afternoon.
All works on display are by generous South Australian artists who have donated at least 50% of proceeds to Pure Land Home Hospice. Every piece purchased supports both the artist and our free, compassionate end-of-life support.
Centennial Park Jubilee Foyer
Sunday, 21 September 2025
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
🎟 Bookings are essential as numbers are limited, and it really helps us plan the event. Please book your free place here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1447198
We can’t wait to see you there!
The Pure Land Home Hospice Team
For any enquiries, please reach out to India Wallace on 0400 401 028.
To find out more about Pure Land Home Hospice and our services, please visit: http://www.purelandhomehospice.org/
Advance Care Planning International Conference
The only global conference dedicated to advance care planning on the Gold Coast Australia.
Hey Death. It’s Time We Talk.
In this unfiltered 30-minute session, we crack open the silence, cultural denial, and weird (so-called) taboos that keep us from the one unifying thing we all have in common: dying.
Life Rites End-of-Life Practitioner; Knowledge and Skill Development Workshop
The team at Life Rites have broad and extensive knowledge across the end-of-life spectrum, from preliminary and ongoing doula support and mapping the health and aged care systems through to dying at home, holistic body care, the legalities of death care in NSW, and expertise in ceremonial and funeral rites.
After two successful workshops at the start of the year, we are opening our funeral home again to offer face to face workshops for Doula’s and end-of-life professionals looking to expand their practical skills and knowledge. The two day workshop will take place on October 25 & 26 at our Boutique Funeral Home in Hurstville, South West of Sydney.
For more information and to tell us you are interested in attending, RSVP October Workshop here.
Coffin Weaving Workshop
This 2 day coffin weaving event is an opportunity to experience and witness the weaving of a coffin. Participate and learn how to transform an invasive species into a resource, create something beautiful and be eco in your death.
Shroud Making at Walawaani Way
Join artist, Michele Elliot, for a contemplative and practical workshop to explore the tradition of shroud-making. Shrouds have played an important role in caring for the deceased for a very long time. The washing and wrapping of the body is often the last act of care given to a person before they are farewelled.
End of Life: Bodies in Dress and Death
Dr Pia Interlandi is a design pracademic in the School of Fashion and Textiles at RMIT University. Intersecting fashion and funerals, Pia addresses materials and materiality in relation to dress, death, decomposition and dispersal. Her doctoral research on textile decomposition in the context of natural burial has informed many of the guidelines for the materials that can be used within natural burial practices.
Pia's current research explores the regenerative potential of emerging body disposal methods, such as alkaline hydrolysis and human composting. She is currently working with industry to map the materials that we take with us, their impact to what we leave behind, and what the matter of our bodies can become.
Alongside AHFA, Pia is also a founding member of the Natural Death Advocacy Network, Order of the Good Death, and the Australian Death Studies Society.
This information session planned take place on Saturday 6-December 2025 from 9am to 11am AEDT
Registrations will open for this event closer to the date.
Compassionate Communities Australia National Forum
🗓 Monday, September 9, 2025
🕣 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM AEST
📍 State Library of Queensland
Cultural Precinct, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Be part of a dynamic day of connection, collaboration, and collective action at the CCAus 2025 National Forum—a unique opportunity to shape the future of Compassionate Communities across Australia.
Together, we’ll share stories, explore challenges, and co-create solutions that strengthen and sustain community-led approaches to caring, dying, and grieving. By the end of the day, we will have developed a collaborative advocacy statement—a clear call to action for reorienting systems to better support communities.
🎟 Tickets Available via Humanitix
Tickets for good, not greed.
100% of booking fee profits go to charity.
REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/compassionate-communities-australia-national-forum
ACHLR Public Lecture - International Perspectives on Assisted Dying
International Perspectives on Assisted Dying: Comparative insights from Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia
As assisted dying becomes increasingly legalised across the globe, important insights can be gained from how different jurisdictions approach access, safeguards, clinical practice, and oversight. This international panel brings together leading experts from Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Australia—countries with established or emerging assisted dying regimes, each shaped by distinct cultural norms and regulatory approaches.
Join our panel of international experts, Professor Ben White (Australia), Emeritus Professor Luc Deliens (Belgium), Professor Agnes Van der Heide (The Netherlands) and Professor James Downar (Canada) for this important and informative discussion.
4th International End of Life Doula Symposium 2025
🌍 Fourth International End-of-Life Doula Symposium 2025
📚 Research is a Verb: Sharing Knowledge as a Collaboration
Join us online this September 5–6, 2025 for two impactful days of global learning and knowledge exchange in end-of-life doula research and practice. Be part of the conversation that’s shaping compassionate care worldwide.
🔗 Registration opens soon — stay tuned!
#EOLDoulaSymposium2025 #EndOfLifeCare #DoulaResearch #GlobalCollaboration #DeathDoulas #PalliativeCare
Let’s Talk About Grief 2025
Let’s Talk About Grief 2025
Today we launch a national campaign that invites people across Australia to be part of something meaningful - a collective effort to bring grief into the open, where it can be better understood and supported.
💙 Complete the National Grief Survey
💙 Share your experience with grief
💙 Amplify the campaign across your networks
Throughout Grief Awareness Month in August, Griefline will share the stories and insights you entrust to us - stories of what we’re feeling and what we’re missing - to spark courageous, compassionate conversations across communities, workplaces, and beyond.
If you've experienced grief, supported someone through it, or work in a space where grief shows up - your voice matters.
What we’re feeling. What we’re missing.
Let’s talk about grief - together.
🔗 Take the survey: https://lnkd.in/gD3xy_JG
#LetsTalkAboutGrief #GriefAwarenessMonth #NationalGriefSurvey #Griefline #EarlyIntervention #GriefSupport #LivedExperience
Conversation #9 | Dying at HOME, a lucky dip?
Join us for a thought provoking conversation with Dr Stephen Ginsborg and Dr Jo Doran who between them have 83 years experience is supporting people at end-of-life.
https://compassionatecommunities.au/event/conversation-9-dying-at-home-a-lucky-dip/
Life Rites Open Day
Life Rites will again open their doors to welcome one and all into our funeral home this Saturday as part of the Dying to Know Day 2025 initiative.
Dying to Know Day is a day dedicated to encouraging open conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning and empower individuals to take control of their final wishes. We welcome you to join us, learn about Life Rites and see where and how we care for our people. We will support open conversations about your end-of-life wishes and funeral rites that are right for you and can support you to care for those close to you who may be working with a life limiting diagnosis.
Cups of tea and Sonja’s famous caramel slice will be flowing as we journey through shrouded cremation, supporting our aged, what forms we can get in place and much more.
All are welcome! Come in and see a genuinely independent, doula-led, and holistic funeral home and practice. Please D2KD RSVP here.
ACON: Love Project Dying to Know Day Panel Discussion
Life Rites is a part of a discussion and afternoon tea bringing together LGBTQ+ experts from across the end-of-life and death sector to share what you need to know to plan ahead, advocate for your wishes, and support those you love.
This event is for all LGBTQ+ people 18 and over, PLHIV, carers, friends and allies, to explore the essential things to know to make end of life care safe and aligned to your needs. A place where you can listen and join in the community conversation, learn about end-of-life essentials, and ask questions that you’ve been Dying to Know!
Proudly presented by ACON’s LOVE Project in association with Dying to Know Day and supported by Dowson Turco Lawyers, Life Rites Funerals and Dying with Dignity.
Details:
Date: Friday 08 August 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Inner West Pride Centre, 1A Bedford Street, Newtown
Please note: this event will include discussion about Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
If you have any questions, contact loveproject@acon.org.au
Nillumbik Shire Council Death Cafe - Dying To Know Day
Hosted by Nillumbik Shire Council’s Ageing Well Team Dying to Know Day is a national campaign encouraging Australians to improve their death literacy — to be better informed and more comfortable talking about death, dying, and bereavement. To mark this important day, we’re inviting the community to a special morning of conversation, connection and curiosity. Morning tea provided.
Dying to Know - Free Community Session
Join end-of-life education specialist Shanna Provost for this informative session about end-of-life. Bookings are essential: 4472 5850
Dying to Know Day at the Peninsula Community Theatre.
Catherine Ashton, founder of Critical Info and host of the Don't Be Caught Dead podcast, will lead a thought-provoking panel discussion at this year’s Dying to Know Day, hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire in alignment with their We All Belong Strategy. This important event brings together expert voices including Laura Bell from Peninsula Health on advance care planning, Carly Dalton, Funeral Director at Greenhaven Funeral Services on funeral options, and Liz Stilwell, Stilwell in Health, on spiritual care. Together, they will explore how we can better prepare for, talk about, and support each other through the end-of-life experience
Bookings https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/dying-to-know-day-2025-tickets-1471534482249
Technology Supports for Community Care
This event will feature: Simon Lowe from The Ageing Revolution, Colin Pudsey from SilVR, Holly Smith from Public Health Palliative Care Unit and Catherine Ashton from Critical Info, as they talk through the different technology-based supports and emerging options for aged and end-of-life care in Australia. This information session planned take place on Wednesday 6-August 2025 from 7pm to 8.30pm AEST
Bookings: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdOGqrTMvG92aiANi0QXCTE8OTxKZmOJ2#/registration
Dying to Know - Free Community Session
Join end-of-life education specialist Shanna Provost for this informative session about end-of-life. Bookings are essential: 4472 5850
Dying to Know - Free Community Session
Join end-of-life education specialist Shanna Provost for this informative session about end-of-life.
Webinar | The Big Q&A
The new rights-based Aged Care Act comes into effect on 1 November 2025. This ambitious reform represents a significant shift in the way aged care is delivered in this country. What does this mean on a practical level? How will the changes affect older people and their families? Join us for the Big Q&A, where a panel of experts will answer your questions.
Panel:
Craig Gear, Chief Executive Officer, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
Pat Sparrow, Chief Executive Officer, COTA Australia
Anne Burgess, Chair, Council of Elders
Liz Hefren-Webb, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Time:
ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS: 1 pm
SA, NT: 12:30 pm
WA: 11 am
Conversation #8
Following NAIDOC week, CCAus is honoured to present Aunty Rhonda Radley and Genus Passi who will be joining us in conversation to share their stories and wisdom on strength, vision and legacy. We will explore how culture shapes the way we understand, accept, and respond to death, dying, and grieving. We believe there is much to learn from the strength, spirituality, and interconnectedness that sit at the heart of First Nations approaches to end-of-life.
Register here: https://compassionatecommunities.au/event/conversation-8/
Live Well Die Well Art Prize 2025
Presented by Palliative Care Australia and Arcare, the Live Well, Die Well Art Prize invites artists of all ages and abilities to explore the theme “conversations about end-of-life” through visual art. Submit your work by July 14, 2025, and be part of this powerful national dialogue.
MORE DETAILS HERE: https://palliativecare.org.au/campaign/live-well-die-well-art-prize/
Kingston Death Cafe
Join us for a Death Cafe—a relaxed, open conversation about death and dying over coffee and snacks. Share thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on life in a supportive, agenda-free space.
When: June 17, 2:00–3:30 PM Where: Kingborough Community Hub Cost: Free
REGISTER HERE: https://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/community-event/kingston-death-cafe-june-2025/
World Elder Abuse Day 2025
Join the Global Movement on June 15th 💜
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a powerful call to action to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults. Wear purple, speak up, and help end elder abuse in all its forms.
DETAILS HERE: https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/
#WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #WEAAD2025 #RespectOurElders #StopElderAbuse #ElderRights #AwarenessDays
GDIN June Member Convening
Our monthly online convenings are a space to connect, share what we’re noticing, hear from members about their work, and shape decisions that guide the network.
Good2Go Expo! Are you Good 2 Go?
Good2Go Expo is a free community event designed to connect people in North East Victoria and the border region with death care providers, services, and resources.
Come along to explore the many supports available in our community—whether you're planning ahead, caring for someone, or simply curious, this is a space to learn, connect, and be inspired.
Good2Go Expo! Are you Good 2 Go?
Good2Go Expo is a free community event designed to connect people in North East Victoria and the border region with death care providers, services, and resources.
Come along to explore the many supports available in our community—whether you're planning ahead, caring for someone, or simply curious, this is a space to learn, connect, and be inspired.
Beyond the Grave—Memorialisation Symposium
Experts will examine how spaces—whether steeped in historical significance, tied to cultural narratives, or embedded within the urban landscape—serve as powerful touchstones for our personal and collective understanding of mortality and memory.
Dr Michael Barbato in Conversation with Helen Callanan
Join Dr Michael Barbato and Helen Callanan for a powerful conversation exploring consciousness, care, and connection at the end of life. A rare opportunity for personal and professional insight.
Julian Kingma exhibition
An award-winning photographer asks, what constitutes a good death?
Life beyond loss: Finding your way through grief
CarerHelp and Grief Australia have come together to offer this 1-hour webinar, presented by Grief Australia CEO, Christopher Hall AM JP GAICD. Gain compassionate guidance to help you:
🌿 Understand the grieving process
🌿 Navigate its emotional challenges
🌿 Care for yourself while honouring your loved one’s memory
📅 Tuesday, 29 April
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (AEST)
💻 Open to anyone with internet access
👉 Register or learn more: https://lnkd.in/g7gj-dWs
How to Host a Dying to Know Day Event – Free Webinar
🗓️ Tuesday 29 April, 2025
🕐 1:00pm – 1:45pm AEST
What you’ll get:
✨ Creative event ideas & real host stories
✨ Simple steps to plan, promote & reflect
✨ This year’s theme and how to make it yours
✨ Live Q&A with experienced hosts
🎙️ Meet your inspiring presenters:
🌸 Danni – Death doula & Dying to Know Day Campaign Manager
🌿 Jessie – Proveda’s Community Programs Manager & end-of-life expert
Compassionate Conversations #6 | Home funerals in practice
Good Death Impact Network member Bec Lyons will be joining Compassionate Communities Australia Board member Harpreet Kalsi-Smith, to discuss the practice of home funerals through a Compassionate Communities lens. Online event.
Launch of the Critical Info Platform
Critical Info is a certified social enterprise designed to help Australians securely plan, store, and share their end-of-life wishes—so when the time comes, their loved ones and care providers have everything they need, all in one place.
Be part of this milestone moment. Join our partners and industry leaders, and explore how Critical Info is set to transform end-of-life planning for individuals, families and organisations like yours.
Advance Care Planning Information Session with Shanna Provost
In this session, author of the Rest Easy Journal, end-of-life educator and Good Death Impact Network Member Shanna Provost will guide participants to take the first steps in their advance care planning by walking through why advance care plans are important; the benefits of having a Care Directive; how to create a legally-binding document, and where to lodge it to ensure your future health choices are respected. Tips on how to choose the right advocate for you and how best to discuss your choices with your family will also be covered.
Where: Moruya Library, Vulcan Street
Cost: free
Bookings are required
Places are limited for this event. To avoid disappointment, please book early online or contact your local library for assistance.
T: 4474 1333
Art performance - Funeral for Jesus - Yila Healing Trail
Shoalhaven Health and Arts is proud to present Funeral For Jesus.
Funeral For Jesus, written and performed by Annette Tesoriero and directed by Regina Heilmann is a creative imagining of a civil funeral service for Jesus of Nazareth, complete with eulogy and exquisite live music from saxophonist and composer Megan Kovalik.
While sitting in a church one afternoon, Annette looked up at the crucifix and pondered what might it have been like for Maryiam the mother of Eshua (Jesus) to not have the opportunity to fully lay her son's body to rest.
As an art performance, Funeral For Jesus is a thought provoking event that highlights our contemporary mourning rituals in relation to the nature of faith.
Light refreshment will be served after the performance.
Shoalhaven Health and Arts is proud to present Funeral For Jesus.
Image credit: 'Lamb of God' artist Max Dingle