There is growing awareness and momentum around alternative body disposal methods in Australia, where cremation and burial have traditionally been the dominant options.

In June 2024, Alluvium in Tasmania opened Australia's first water cremation which allows all of the water used to return to the ecosystem. More natural burial grounds are emerging, and Walawaani Way is taking orders for Australian’s first 100% natural conservation burial site. Plus, people are investigating how natural organic reduction can be offered in Australia.

Join 2018 Churchill Fellow Rebecca Lyons to learn more about the evolution of body disposal, and how we can do it in different ways. Travelling through six countries exploring alternatives to contemporary ceremony and body disposal, Bec’s research led not only a Churchill report but also to her book, A Heartfelt Undertaking, that looks at changes and disruptions in the end-of-life space.

Rebecca is an Independent Funeral Director and Educator at You n’ Taboo, President of the Natural Death Advocacy Network, President of the Australian Home Funeral Alliance and TedX presenter. Her work is contributing to national conversations about how we increase awareness and choices at end of life.

Rebecca Lyons visiting a water cremation facility

As part of the session there will be option to experience lying in a cardboard coffin or feel what it is like to be shrouded.

Rebecca will be joining us online for this session. As a shared experience the conversation will be streamed from Darwin Community Arts.

And as always have tea, coffee and cake to accompany the conversation.

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Death Education and Discussion (DED) sessions take place on the first Saturday of the month and are an opportunity to tackle the topic of death from different angles. All sessions are respectful, curious, and may include creative elements.

If you have the time and means, please bring some cake or another tasty morsel to share with the group.

These in-person events take place at Darwin Community Arts on Travers Street in Coconut Grove, Darwin. Come and join the conversation about this inevitable part of life in a supportive and welcoming environment.
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Please be advised the sessions are not intended as professional therapy or grief counselling. If you need this support please reach out to professionals equipped to give you the support you need. Lifeline 13114, Beyond Blue Webchat, or Amber NT for support in grief after the death of a child.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this open to everyone?

This event is open to everyone who wants to learn more about end of life and some of the things we can do to support ourselves and loved ones at end of life. We welcome people who wish to contribute to proactive and supportive conversations around death and dying.

Is there a cost?

Attendance for these sessions is free. There will be tea, coffee and water available. If you have the time and means to contribute by bringing a shared plate for afternoon tea that would be welcome.

Is there a limit on how many people can attend?

Due to the nature of the conversation, and the size of the venue, we can accommodate up to 25 people.

Who are the presenters?

Presenters, panel members, or facilitators will change each month. Some months we will have presenters who have worked in the end of life space, and other months will include people with a deep interest in end of life conversations and raising death awareness in the community.

What is the format of the sessions?

The sessions will vary each month but as a general guide the first 10 - 15 minutes will be meet and greet followed by a 50 - 60 minute presentation. There will be time afterwards for people to stay and do a practical and/or arts based activity based on the presentation.

Do I need to be artistic to attend?

Not at all. Whilst we are holding the sessions at Darwin Community Arts the core intention of the sessions is to raise our collective death awareness in the community. Some months we will have more arts based sessions but these are guided sessions and everyone and every artistic ability is supported.

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Lyons