Inspiring stories on life and death: A special night to launch the Compassionate Connector program

Dying is all around us, all the time.

Every three minutes, someone in Australia dies. And with every passing moment, there’s an opportunity for more connection, love, and resolution.

There has never been a more urgent time to address the state of death and dying in Australia. Our nation needs a community-led, compassionate approach to end-of-life care—one that fosters social cohesion and empowers us to navigate these profound moments together.

We invite you to a transformative storytelling event:
Inspiring Stories on Life and Death: A Special Evening to Launch the Compassionate Connector Program

Step into the shoes of six courageous individuals as they share raw, personal stories exploring the theme of connection. Their voices will spark vital conversations, dismantle barriers, and inspire change on topics of grief, caregiving, and the enduring power of love.

With the right support, education, tools, and human connection, communities can come together to face the realities of death and dying with strength and compassion.

Be part of this important evening as we launch the Compassionate Connector Program—  a distinct form of volunteering to help grow people’s social networks as they navigate illness and personal loss.

Speakers:

PURPOSE FROM TRAGEDY - Terence Kwan

How do you respond to the news that members of your family, including three young children, have been the victims of a terrible murder suicide? Terence’s story takes you through the circumstances of this horrific tragedy, the events leading up to it, how it impacted family and community, and how it galvanised and provided direction for his sense of social purpose and contribution.

PINK SLIP TO DEATH - Danni Petkovic

Can the deepest most pivotal connections occur in the unlikeliest of places?
An unwanted meeting with a tough burly country mechanic would change her life forever. His generosity and care would lead Danni to compassionate connectors and carers for her younger brother who faced terminal brain cancer. Ultimately changing her life's trajectory leading to her campaigning for death literacy through Dying to Know and creating an end-of-life doula service.

NOT DEAD YET - Jean Paul Bell

Since 1996 Jean Paul has worked as a clown doctor around seriously ill and dying people, some young and others at the end of a long life. Working in aged and palliative care, he has brought humour into serious environments. He learned to read the room, for some, laughter was ideal! He is often at his best when the situation is at its worst. As are children who can cut to the chase when the end is nigh.

MY CONNECTION - A THREE BODY PROBLEM - John Milham

As life events and objects unfold, orbit and create chaos, trauma and distress, it is only by letting go of everything he has understood to that point, he is able to embrace the infinite solutions offered in the 3 body problem he found himself caught in, and with those infinite solutions opening up new worlds, John is able to unlock new connection, and so bring the loss and suffering to some meaning. By laying bare 3 life changing moments, John shares the learning he found to allow connection to his purpose, his truth and his freedom.

MOMENTS OF CONNECTIONS – Helen Nippard

Helen lives with her extended family on the Northern Beaches and is an active volunteer member with Proveda since 2018. Helen’s story and reflections of end of life moments inspires and takes us on a journey of appreciation of what connection brings. Throughout her story, you can hear how these experiences are connected, within and between us.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday 20 February 2025 
• Time: Arrive by 6.00pm for complimentary refreshments and mingling. Secure your seats by 6:25pm, storytelling begins at 6:35pm sharp.
• Venue: Harbord Diggers, 88 Evans St, Freshwater NSW 2096
• Audience: 18+
• Tickets: $25 per person

The Evening Includes:

• Thought-provoking storytelling co-hosted by Monica Rosenfeld, Co-Founder of Stories that Stir™.
• Light refreshments and opportunities to connect with fellow attendees and speakers.
• Uplifting moments of shared laughter alongside profound reflections.

"In moments of death, the gathering of family and friends becomes a crucible for profound learning and growth. It's through these shared experiences that communities find strength, forge unbreakable bonds, and discover the true essence of humanity." — Jessie Williams

Please note that story content will touch on sensitive topics such as death, grief, and loss. However, we promise moments of lightness and laughter to balance the depth of the evening.

Join us for this inspiring event and help create a future where communities reclaim their rightful role in caring for one another through life’s most challenging transitions.

Secure your seat now to be part of this transformative evening - spaces are limited! 

This event is to celebrate the launch of the Compassionate Connector program which is a 3 year translational pilot jointly funded by the Northern Sydney Health Network and The Wicking Trust.