Torquay Community Grief Circle

Grief is a natural response to love, change and loss. Whether through the death of someone important, the end of a relationship, changes in health, work, identity, family, or the loss of a hoped-for future, grief is something we all experience.

Yet grief is often carried in isolation.

A Grief Ceremony is a guided community gathering where people come together to acknowledge, witness and honour grief.

For most of human history, grief was not carried alone—it was held by community. This ceremony is a contemporary expression of that timeless human tradition, offering a safe, grounded and carefully facilitated space to honour both the sadness we carry and the love we have.

This experience invites participants to slow down, share stories, listen deeply and discover the quiet wisdom that can emerge when grief is witnessed rather than carried alone.

In sharing our stories of grief, we honour the sadness we carry & the love we have.

Who is this for?

This circle welcomes anyone living with grief or loss, whether recent or many years ago. You do not need to have experienced the death of a loved one—grief takes many forms, and all experiences of meaningful loss are welcome.

What to Expect

• A small, facilitated group

• A safe and confidential space

• Opportunities to share—or simply listen

• Gentle reflection and connection

• A considered space to nourish & honour the experience of grief

Preparation Zoom Gathering
Thursday 29th October 2026 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm

An online first connection with the facilitators, participants and culture of the Grief Ceremony, to help everyone arrive feeling prepared for the day.

Grief Ceremony
Saturday 31 October 2026 | 9:45am – 2:00pm

Location
Village Wellness Torquay
Shop 1/10 Cylinders Drive, Torquay VIC 3228

Please note: The circle space is located upstairs and access requires one flight of stairs.

Cost: $150* per person, including light refreshments.

*Concessional rate is available on request through the facilitators

Facilitated by Matt Perrett and Regina Sawyer.

Matt Perrett is a local veteran career Facilitator of Boys to Men Rites of Passage and men's peer support circles. He is passionate about creating authentic spaces where people feel safe to connect, reflect and navigate life's challenges with courage, honesty and community.

Regina Sawyer is a local Psychologist, who has supported individuals and families across the Surf Coast for many years. She has a special interest in grief, loss and life transitions, and is passionate about creating spaces where people can share their stories, feel deeply heard, and discover the healing that comes through connection and compassionate witnessing.

We understand that the timing may not suit everyone, or that you may not feel ready to attend just yet.

Our next Grief Ceremony is planned for March 2026 (exact date TBC).

If you would like to be among the first to hear when registrations open, we'd love to keep you informed. Simply join our Expression of Interest list and we'll let you know as soon as bookings become available.

There is no obligation—it's simply a way to stay connected with future Grief Ceremonies.