End of life matters

Preparing for the inevitable

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River in collaboration with the Augusta Community Resource Centre has curated a series of community information sessions to encourage residents to have open conversations and prepare for the inevitable.

The “End of Life Matters” series will explore topics relating to death, dying and end-of-life planning and aims to create space for participants to reflect on what matters most and feel empowered to have important conversations.

The four-part series has been planned to coincide with the national Dying to Know Day initiative, held annually in August to encourage end-of-life planning. It also aligns with several actions in the Shire’s Age Friendly Plan and supports residents in all stages of life.

Normalising conversations about end-of-life matters is an important area of community education and support. 

Research tells us only half of all Australians feel able to talk to their family about end of life₁, yet the more we can talk about and plan for death, the easier it can be for our loved ones when the time comes.

We’re hoping the sessions will help remove some of the stigma around talking about death and help people come to terms with the emotional and practical realities that are part and parcel with dying.

Each session will focus on a different topic and be delivered by facilitators from WA Country Health Service’s South West Palliative Care Service and the WA Voluntary Assisted Dying Statewide Care Navigator Service as well as an End-of-Life Guide.

Topics will include 

• Getting your “death ducks in a row” 
• Palliative care
• Voluntary Assisted Dying
• Advance Care Planning (details to be confirmed)

All sessions will be held at the Augusta Community Resource Centre (66 Allnut Terrace, Augusta) and include morning tea.

To RSVP, contact Community Development Officer Olivia Knowles via [email protected] or by calling 9780 5667.

The Shire notes that the sessions are intended for general information only, and attendees should seek professional advice relevant to their individual circumstances.
 

_{1.Only 53% of Australians feel able to talk to another family member about end of life.* from a YouGov online 2022 survey, referenced on this page: End of Life Care & Compassionate Support Services | Proveda}