This year DED has been on a journey of learning and discovery. We have covered

advanced personal plans (APP),
various ways you can leave your legacy,
shared thoughts at death cafes,
heard about the role of death doulas and creating community support at end of life,
learned about body disposal methods across the globe and emerging technology and,
creation of artworks in response to the various euphemisms we use to say someone has died.

November is a time to choose your own adventure. As some examples….you may have some loose ends from previous sessions you want to tie up (like finishing your APP), start (or finish) a conversation with another attendee but time hasn’t permitted it in previous sessions, maybe you are keen to do some research on end of life topics, perhaps you want to use the letter writing guide to write an important letter to someone, or you may want to plan your most fantastic funeral.

What will be there on the day….

Resources from Palliative care Australia
Blank copies of Advanced Personal Plans
Death Deck and conversation starter cards
Art materials to play and create with
A cardboard coffin and shrouding material and the opportunity to experience being shrouded or laying in the coffin

Bring your sense of adventure and I look forward to seeing where the afternoon takes us.

And as always there will be 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.

Title artwork by Flynn