Program
The Expo invites open conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning.
Across the day, you’ll hear from four guest speakers, join informal discussions at the Compassionate Community Lounge with its hosted Death Cafés, and take part in Q&A Panels on topics such as Funeral Planning, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), Legal and Advance Care Planning.
Guest Speakers
10:15am - 11:15am
Jean Kittson
Author, comedian, and advocate for end-of-life conversations
11:30am - 12:00pm
Ambulance Wish
A presentation on facilitating final wishes with respect and consideration
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Amy Larsen
Expert in grief, trauma, and resilience in healthcare and palliative contexts
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Carolyn Mandersloot
A palliative care nurse whose specialty is helping people die at home and getting people planning for the inevitable.
Compassionate Communities Lounge
Death Cafés will be held from 11:30am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
Q & A Panels
10:15am - 11:00am
Paediatric Passings
This session examines the realities of paediatric palliative care and the impact of a child's death on families, caregivers, and communities. Panellists will discuss diagnosis, care, bereavement, and address emotional, ethical, and practical considerations.
Facilitator: Kelly Foster (Hummingbird House)
Panel Members:
Phillip Dien (Red Nose), Ali Mills (Ladybird Care Foundation), Yody Espitia (Hummingbird House)
11:15am - 12:00pm
Legal & Advance Care Planning
A session on legal documents and discussions that help communicate end-of-life preferences. Topics include Advance Care Directives, enduring powers of attorney, wills, and planning.
Facilitator: Louise Secomb (Family Centred Law)
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Panel Members:
Amanda Schmidt (Kennedy Spanner Lawyers), Toni Simpson (Retired NP), Philip Hancock (Gifts in Wills)
12:15pm - 1:00pm
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) & Palliative Care
This session considers the role of palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illness and its relation to VAD. The panel will cover goals of care, legal and ethical factors, and family options.
Facilitator: Carolyn Mandersloot
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Panel Members:
Jean Kittson, Karen McKellar (VAD), Debbie Anderson (Last Chapter), Louise O’Neill (Palliative Care Qld)
1:15pm - 2:00pm
Funeral Planning 101
An overview of funeral planning processes, including burial, cremation, costs, legal requirements, and personalisation for both pre-planning and arranging services.
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Facilitator: Shayne Stiles (Burstows Funerals)
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Panel Members:
Don Burstow (Burstows Funerals), Greg Fraser (Foresters Financial), Annie Caulfield (Grassroots Death Care)
2:15pm - 3:00pm
Breaking Ground
Discussion of cemeteries as cultural landscapes, historical archives, and changing social environments. The panel addresses planning, preservation, and changes in cemetery use. ​
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Facilitator: Lisa Herbert (Cemetery Tours)
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Panel Members:
Kareena McDonald (Drayton & Toowoomba Cemetery), Gaylene Adam (Allambe Memorial Park), Robert Wagner (Heritage Stonecraft), Ben Kelly (CEO of the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA)