Australians join national conversations on end-of-life care during awareness week
16 May 2026
The campaign, held from 10–16 May under the theme Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers, saw strong engagement across the country, with people taking part in events, accessing resources, and joining conversations about palliative care.
Palliative Care Australia Interim CEO Simon Waring said the response shows Australians are increasingly open to talking about end-of-life care.
He said campaign content was viewed more than two million times on social media, with strong participation in community events and a rise in people downloading information resources.
Mr Waring said this level of engagement shows people want clearer information about what palliative care is, when it can help, and how to discuss it.
He also said the week confirmed an ongoing issue, with many Australians still accessing palliative care too late or not at all.
He said palliative care supports people physically, emotionally and practically, and can help families by improving comfort and clarity during serious illness.
“Starting conversations earlier makes a real difference,” he said.
The week’s main event was a guest lecture by Dr Michael Chapman titled Rethinking Dementia and End-of-Life Care, held at Parliament House and followed by a Q&A session led by Palliative Care Australia Chair Dr Peter Allcroft.
Mr Waring also thanked health workers, carers, volunteers, member organisations, and people with lived experience for contributing to the national conversation and sharing their stories.
Across Australia, communities marked the week with events and activities.
In Western Australia, events included a themed breakfast series, advance care planning workshops, grief support sessions, and major landmarks lit in orange to recognise the week.
In Queensland, activities included a milestone “wish” program at Toowoomba Hospice, a special hospital event in Brisbane, and the launch of a parliamentary palliative care friendship group.
In New South Wales, webinars and professional education sessions focused on advance care planning and culturally diverse communities.
The Australian Capital Territory held a public roundtable on paediatric palliative care and lit up Canberra in orange.
Victoria hosted a major summit focused on inclusive, person-centred care, covering topics such as dementia, disability, First Nations care, grief, and voluntary assisted dying.
South Australia marked the week with a flagship breakfast event and the launch of a new statewide Compassionate Alliance initiative.
Tasmania brought together community members in Hobart for discussions, workshops, and the launch of a new palliative care guide and website.
In the Northern Territory, stories highlighted efforts to expand rural palliative care training and improve access in remote communities.
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