Western NSW communities embrace local Dying to Know Day Events
Western NSW Primary Health Network in collaboration with NALAG, Western NSW Local Health District, Carer Gateway, Live Better and Preparing the Way recently marked Dying to Know Day with two community events aimed at encouraging open and informed conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning.
Held in Canowindra and Mudgee, the events brought together more than 140 community members to hear from local health professionals, service providers and end-of-life educators.
Presenters covered a wide range of topics including:
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Planning ahead – enduring guardianship, enduring power of attorney, advance care directives and the My Care, My Future initiative.
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Care and support – palliative care services, end-of-life packages to support people at home, managing medications and carer support through Carer Gateway and Community Health Palliative Care Teams.
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Emotional wellbeing – grief and loss support through services such as NALAG, self-care strategies and opportunities for peer connection.
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End-of-life doulas – the role doulas can play in supporting individuals, families and carers at the end of life.
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Community connection – including Mudgee’s Life and Death Café, which offers a safe and informal space for discussion over a cuppa.
Across both events, almost 60 Death Literacy Index surveys were completed, helping to measure awareness and confidence in talking about death, dying and loss.
These strong turnouts show that communities in Western NSW are ready to engage in conversations once considered too difficult. By coming together to learn, share experiences and think about end-of life planning participants have gained the knowledge and confidence to share their wishes, taking into consideration their values and cultural needs.