Flo Fest

Flo Fest 2026

Saturday 7 November 2026 · 6:30am–3:30pm
Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, Bell Street, Torquay
Free community event · Everyone affected by child loss is welcome

Flo Fest is a day by the water, held in memory of Florence - a baby who was born and passed away during labour in April 2025 - and all other babies that families have experienced loss with.

It is a day for families and individuals affected by the loss of a baby or child to come together, remember, connect and simply be. A day shaped around the ocean, community and the understanding that grief doesn’t need to be hidden or carried alone.

You don’t need to have experienced a particular kind of loss, or to be at any particular stage of grieving. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, whether you want to talk, listen, move, sit quietly, be with others or simply be near the water — there is a place for you here.

The day

6:30am — Dawn surf
Start the day in the ocean with qualified surf instructors. Boards and wetsuits are provided free of charge, and no experience is necessary. Places are limited, so please register for the surf when booking.

8:30am — Breakfast
Hot food, coffee and a warm space to arrive and settle in. You don’t need to take part in the surf to be part of Flo Fest.

10:00am — We gather
Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country and a facilitated conversation with parents and people with experience in child loss, counselling and mental health. There will be time for questions, reflection and acknowledgement.

Late morning — Moving, gently
Guided movement and breath. Join in, sit at the edge, or simply have a cup of tea.

Midday — Lunch and small circles
Lunch together, with optional facilitated small-group circles available in a quiet room for those who would like a more intimate space.

Early afternoon — Remembrance by the water
We walk down to the beach together for the heart of the day: a remembrance circle, the speaking of names and the placing of remembrance stones. There will be time simply to sit, feel and be together.

By 3:30pm — Close

A day designed to hold people

We know that grief can arrive unexpectedly. That’s why Flo Fest has been intentionally designed so you can participate in whatever way feels right for you.

• A trained support crew will be present throughout the day.

• A quiet room will be available at all times.

• Every part of the programme is optional — you can step out or leave at any time.

• Children and siblings are welcome.

• The programme has been designed with clinical bereavement expertise, with a clinician present on the day.

• Breakfast, lunch, surf equipment and wetsuits are all provided free of charge.

There is no expectation to be okay, to speak, or to stay for the whole day.

Come for the ocean. Come for someone you remember. Come because you have been through this yourself. Come to sit quietly with people who understand.

Flo Fest is free, but registration is essential so we can prepare food and make sure we can accommodate everyone. If you’d like to take part in the dawn surf, please select the surf option when registering, as places are limited.

We hope you will join us for a gentle day of remembrance, connection and community — held beside the water, in memory of all little ones that have passed on.