TENDER is the story of one community teaching itself how to be as present in death as we have learnt to become in birth. Set against the stunning backdrop of the industrial seaside town of Port Kembla, a feisty and resilient community group take back the responsibility that most of us leave to someone else – to care for their own dead.

Scattered throughout are stories revealing why this small band have decided to take on a practice that for most is taboo. As their plans for community-based funerals gather momentum one of their own is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

TENDER is at once a heartbreakingly beautiful and beautifully funny glimpse of an extraordinary community taking on one of the most essential challenges of human life… its end.

The screening will be followed by a Q+A between a representative from Tender Funerals in conversation with Stephanie Longmuir from DeathTech Research Team.

Tender 2013. 73 minutes. Directed by: Lynette Wall

A Hive Fund Film. Produced with the assistance of the Adelaide Film Festival, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian Council for the Arts & Screen NSW. (c) 2013 Scarlett Pictures Pty Ltd, Lynette Wallworth and Adelaide Film Festival.

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Getting there
For more information about visiting Palace Pentridge, click here

Accessibility
Palace Pentridge is fully wheelchair accessible. Auslan interpretation can be arranged with prior notice. To help us make this event as accessible as possible, please let us know if you have any accessibility needs or requirements by contacting us at info@ohm.org.au.

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Beyond the Grave: Design + Death is presented by Open House Melbourne, supported by Program Partners DeathTech Research Team, Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, DocPlay and The Shrine of Remembrance.

This event is part of Melbourne Design Week 2025, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.