Trust starts conversation about living and dying

GEELONG Cemeteries Trust will host its inaugural Living and Dying: Let’s Talk event at Portarlington Parks Hall on nationally celebrated Dying to Know Day, August 8. The free event will bring together the local community along with healthcare and support service professionals to openly discuss planning for death and dealing with grief.

Twelve experts will take part in speed talking seminars to educate patrons about end of life care. The event will incorporate networking and expo stands, a complimentary buffet lunch, workshops, and meditation.

A Death Café and Death Bar will create an opportunity to ask questions about death and grief in a relaxed atmosphere over a coffee or a beer.

Medical director of Ballarat Hospice Care and Queenscliff local David Brumley will be the keynote speaker on the day, informing the community and industry professionals alike about his work and the importance of being prepared for death.

“The community can expect to be confronted by my observations on the way people die.

“The challenge is to change community attitudes about dying. There are many practical ways in which we can make changes to support our own community members who are suffering.

“If we don’t know what is ahead, we can’t plan, and can’t do the work of dying. It’s important that we do the things we want to do to complete our lives.

“The best way to improve the care of the sick in our community is to build the community itself in ways that will support them. We are all in this together.”

A series of speakers at the event will discuss the different processes associated with dying, including palliative care, elder rights, hope bereavement, and advanced care planning. Presentations will also be given by Geelong Cemeteries Trust, Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine, and a local lawyer.

The Death Café and Death Bar will give individuals and their loved ones a comfortable setting to discuss death wishes, planning for death, and how to deal with grief.

The day will begin at noon and finish at 6.30pm. Patrons may choose to attend for the entire day, or for Session One which includes the speed talking sessions, free lunch and the Death Cafe, or Session Two, which includes the Death Café, workshops, meditation, and concludes with the Death Bar.

To RSVP to attend sessions one, two, or the entire day, head to gct.net.au/news-events or phone Geelong Cemeteries Trust on 5249 3939.