Today is the start of National Palliative Care Week (May 24-30) and the amazing folk who help people in the last few days of their life, and their families in the days afterwards, are highlighting services available in the Byron Shire for dying, death and funerals.
The 2021 Byron Citizen of the year, Zenith Virago and the Natural Death Care Centre and other local and national organisations, are presenting a community day and everyone is welcome.
For 25 years Zenith has been a part of our community working with people who are dying and assisting their bereaved families. ‘Byron is a great place to live, but it’s a really great place to die,’ says Deathwalker Zenith. ‘What we have created in a deathstyle here is now being emulated globally as it is seen to be more beneficial and meaningful.
People are attempting to die well
‘People are attempting to die well and to have an easier bereavement, and that makes for a healthier community. We have great services here, and exploring them pre-need, rather than in a distressed and emotional state is a much smarter way to go.’
The event will include the launch of a new home funeral service as well as speakers from palliative care and medical services, local hospices, End of Life and after death care services, trusted funeral directors, funeral celebrants and Death Cafes.
The day will be held at the Mullum Civic Hall, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday May 29. Speakers will begin at 11am.
Entry is free and there will be food available. If you would like to help as a volunteer, please contact Zenith [email protected] or Jenny Henderson [email protected]