Palliative Care South Australia (PCSA) helping all South Australians to live, die and grieve well.
Resource Hub
The Critical Info Resource Hub brings together reputable organisations supporting Australians with end of life planning, aged care, caring, disability, palliative care, deathcare and bereavement, including government funded services, peak bodies and industry associations.More Helpful Links
Critical Info tools and guides
Critical Info Platform – Quick Start Guide
An easy-to-follow guide on how to get started using the Critical Info Platform.
How to Explain the Key Contact Role: A Conversation Cheat Sheet for Main Users
For users of the Critical Info Platform to explain the importance of the Key Contact role to a loved one.
Critical info Conversation starters with loved ones
Use these gentle prompts developed by Critical Info to start meaningful conversations with your loved ones about your wishes, values, and plans for the future.
Supporter’s Conversation Guide
When you're supporting someone with their end-of-life planning, these resources and conversation prompts can be helpful.
Don’t be Caught Dead podcast episodes to support the Critical Info Platform
A curated selection of Don't Be Caught Dead podcast eposides to help you make informed decisiosn about your end-of-life choices.
Critical Info Platform - Instructional video - Recording audio and video
An instruction video to help you record your personal stories in video and audio to share with your loved ones when you choose.
Urgent help and helplines
Emergency (000) Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, including an unexpected death.
Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. We exist so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.
Beyond Blue helps all people in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.
Suicide Call Back Service gives free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
MensLine Australia offers free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
1800RESPECT provides national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
13YARN supports line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Griefline supports Australians navigating loss and grief.
Roses in the Ocean provides a safe place for people with a lived experience of suicide to connect with others with a similar lived experience for a chat, in a shared space of compassion, understanding and respect.
National Dementia Helpline free information and support for people living with dementia, families and carers, 24 hours a day. Phone 1800 100 500.
1800ELDERHelp the national elder abuse phone line, connecting you to free advice and support in your state or territory. Phone 1800 353 374.
Older Persons Advocacy Network, National Aged Care Advocacy Line free, independent advocacy for older people receiving or seeking government funded aged care. Phone 1800 700 600.
Carer Gateway Australian Government support for unpaid carers, including counselling and emergency respite. Phone 1800 422 737.
Open Arms gives free mental health support and resource to veterans and their immediate families.
Medicare Mental Health (formerly Head to Health) offers access the mental health and wellbeing services that are right for them.
National Relay Service helps you if you’re d/Deaf or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.
Translating and Interpreting Service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people with limited English proficiency and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
Planning ahead: advance care planning, wills and decision makers
Advance Care Planning Australia enables Australians to make the best choices for their future health and care.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Advance Care Planning Australia National Advisory Service free advice on advance care planning, 8am to 4pm AEST weekdays. Phone 1300 208 582.
MyValues is a set of specially constructed statements designed to help you identify, consider and communicate your wishes about the medical treatment you would want in the later stages of life.
Choice helps you understand what an advance care directive is and the legality of an ACD.
Touchstone Life Care We empower individuals to take control of their health information and journey by documenting and sharing their care preferences in a way that’s clear, secure, and accessible.
End of Life Law in Australia provides accurate and practical information to assist you to navigate the challenging legal issues that can arise with end of life decision-making.
Public Advocates and Guardians
Will It Your Way helps you contact a will maker in your area and start your Will process.
The Postage empowers you to control your legacy and build your will-based estate plan in as little as 10 minutes.
Paige is here so your loved ones can inherit your assets, not a big mess
Digital Health offers a vital part of a modern, accessible healthcare system designed to meet the needs of all Australians.
The Australian Patients Association (APA) protects the rights and interests of patients, improving the patient experience and their health outcomes. Our main roles are providing patient advocacy, information and support.
The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) leads the Australian Government’s national program to improve organ and tissue donation, so more Australians have access to a transplant.
Donate Life leads the national DonateLife program to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation in partnership with the DonateLife Network, state and territory governments, the donation and transplantation sectors, the eye and tissue sectors, hospitals, community organisations and the public.
Palliative care and end of life care
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) believes high quality palliative care should be available and accessible to people living with a life-limiting illness when and where they need it.
National Palliative Care Service Directory search for palliative care services near you, run by Palliative Care Australia.
State and territory palliative care peak bodies
Palliative Care ACT Phone 02 6255 5771.
Palliative Care NSW Phone 02 8076 5600.
Palliative Care NT Email info@pallcarent.org.au.
Palliative Care Tasmania Phone 03 6231 2799.
Palliative Care Victoria offers comprehensive resources for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Palliative Care WA Phone 1300 551 704.
Victorian Palliative Care Advice Service offers free, confidential advice about palliative care and end-of-life support.
Victoria’s palliative and end of life care framework the Victorian Government framework for palliative and end of life care.
Information and education
CareSearch offers great resources about some of the diverse populations in Australia and why palliative care matters for them.
palliAGED evidence based palliative care information and resources for aged care, funded by the Australian Government.
palliAGED Nurse helps nurses care for older people who have a disease or illness that cannot be cured or who are becoming frail.
End-of-Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) highlights different elements that can contribute to holistic and person-centred care for older people with palliative care needs and in the last months and days of life.
ELDAC toolkits practical toolkits for home care, residential aged care, end of life law and dementia.
End of Life Essentials provides free education modules are designed to assist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working in acute hospitals in delivering end-of-life care.
Caring At Home aims to increase access to quality and timely end-of-life care for home-based patients by developing practical and evidence-based resources and providing associated education for health professionals.
PEPA, Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach free palliative care training and placements for health and aged care workers.
End of Life Law for Clinicians free training on the law at the end of life for health professionals.
Palliative Care Nurses Australia the national professional body for palliative care nurses.
Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine the professional body for palliative medicine.
HELP helps ‘take the lead’ and feel confident in coordinating the practical and emotional support that a family needs as they come to terms with a loved one reaching palliative care or end-of-life.
Better Health Victoria supports Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
Department of Health Victoria supports Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
Hospices, home based care and end of life services
Home Hospice Australia their specialist nurses are able to provide the highest standard of palliative care in the comfort and dignity of your or your loved one's home.
Peninsula Home Hospice provides specialist palliative care in the home that optimises quality of life and honours the hope for comfort, choice, dignity and peace.
Gwandalan plays an important role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people possessing strong beliefs about the existence of life beyond the physical realm. Life and death are viewed as a continuous cycle from birth to death to re-birth; the life, death, life pattern.
Proveda- End of Life Services is equally committed to ensuring that all Australians die and grieve, in ways that are most meaningful to them.
Catholic Healthcare promotes the dignity, life and spirituality of older people through connected and inclusive communities.
End of life doulas
End of Life Doula Directory helps clients find the support they need through a comprehensive listing of end-of-life doulas in Australia.
Preparing the Way empowers people with choice at the end of life and support them and those close to them with trained end of life doulas.
Dementia Doulas International finds like-minded people dedicated to assisting you to make a difference to the end-of-life experience for someone living with dementia.
Life Rites focuses and personalises end-of-life services guide you and your family through end-of-life and after-death care.
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD)
Voluntary assisted dying - Help Direct is when you choose medical assistance to end your life.
VAD Support Groups VAD is now legally available across all six Australian states and in New Zealand. It has also been available in the ACT since 3 November 2025.
VAD care navigator services: free, government funded help to understand the process and find an eligible doctor
Victoria: Statewide Care Navigator Service Email vadcarenavigator@petermac.org. Phone (03) 8559 5823.
New South Wales: NSW VAD Care Navigator Service Weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm. Phone 1300 802 133.
Queensland: QVAD-Support Weekdays 8.30am to 4pm. Phone 1800 431 371.
Western Australia: WA VAD Statewide Care Navigator Service 8.30am to 5pm. Phone (08) 9431 2755.
South Australia: SA VAD Care Navigator Service Email Health.VADCareNavigators@sa.gov.au. Phone 0403 087 390.
Tasmania: Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigation Service Weekdays 9am to 5pm. Phone 1800 568 956.
Australian Capital Territory: ACT VAD Care Navigator Service Weekdays 8.30am to 4.30pm. Phone 02 5124 1888.
VAD advocacy and support organisations
Go Gentle promotes choice at the end of life, including the option of voluntary assisted dying.
Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia campaigns and advocates in South Australia for the health benefits of legal voluntary assisted dying.
Dying With Dignity provides support and advice for people accessing or seeking to access VAD, their families and carers, and health professionals.
The Northern Territory Voluntary Euthanasia Society (NTVES) is a dying-with-dignity and voluntary euthanasia society based in Darwin, Northern Territory.
Aged care
My Aged Care the Australian Government starting point for all government funded aged care, including assessment. Phone 1800 200 422.
Support at Home the government funded program for care and support to help you keep living at home.
How to apply for an aged care assessment step by step information on getting assessed.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission the national aged care regulator, including how to raise a concern or complaint.
Office of the Inspector General of Aged Care independent oversight of the aged care system.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: aged care Australian Government information on aged care.
Older Persons Advocacy Network provides free, independent and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care.
OPAN: the new Aged Care Act explained fact sheets and resources on what the new Act means for you.
10 Questions to Ask questions to help you choose a residential aged care home.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme free volunteer visitors for older people who are lonely or isolated.
Seniors Rights Victoria help and advice to prevent elder abuse in Victoria.
COTA Australia the national peak body representing older Australians.
Ageing Australia advocates for their members, providing expert advice, resources and tailored services to support them deliver exceptional care to older Australians.
Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing builds the capacity and capabilities of Australian aged-care providers to deliver services that are welcoming, inclusive and accessible.
Australian Multicultural Community Services support for older people from diverse cultures to stay safe and connected.
National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Community and Resources Hub healthy ageing resources from Monash University and Peninsula Health. Phone 03 9788 1722.
Seniors Lifestyle Victoria a free Victorian program on activity, nutrition, medicines and social connection.
Bayside Health aged care residential and aged care services on the Mornington Peninsula.
Peninsula Health health and aged care services on the Mornington Peninsula.
Dementia
Dementia Australia empowers the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and almost 1.6 million people involved in their care.
Dementia Support Australia supports over 50,000 clients and 97% of aged care homes across every state and territory in Australia.
Dementia Training Australia dementia education for health and care professionals.
The Wicking Dementia Centre forefront of translational research and support for issues confronting people with dementia and their carers.
The Dementia Centre improves the quality of life for people with dementia, their families and those who provide their care. Founded in 1995, our approach is proven in practice, defining and informing the provision of care worldwide.
Positive Approach to Care enhances life and relationships of those living with brain change by fostering an inclusive global community.
QLD Brain Institute unlocks the mysteries of the brain to generate new knowledge, understand learning and memory, and develop new technologies to improve lives, and diagnose and treat brain disease and mental health.
The Ageing Revolution makes a positive and tangible difference to the lives of older people, their friends and their families – that’s just about everyone.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare produces authoritative and accessible information and statistics to inform and support better policy and service delivery decisions, leading to better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
Carers
Carer Gateway offers practical information, resources, and counselling for carers.
Carer Gateway Carer Skills modules free online modules on stress, communication, legal issues, sleep and staying connected.
Carers Australia represents Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level.
Support for Carers Program (Victoria) Victorian Government support for carers.
My Aged Care: for carers information for people caring for an older person.
Carer Help provides information for people caring for someone at end of life.
Dementia Australia: family, friends and carers support for people caring for someone living with dementia.
The Young Carers Network (YCN) is a nationally coordinated resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.
Ianacare empowers and equips family caregivers with the resources they need and deserve.
Disability and NDIS
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Phone 1800 800 110.
NDIS: what is needed when a participant dies what families and nominees need to do, and who to contact. Phone 1800 800 110.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission the independent regulator of NDIS providers, including complaints.
Disability Gateway Australian Government information and referral for people with disability, families and carers.
Palliative Care Australia: NDIS and end of life Palliative Care Australia’s submission on NDIS planning and end of life support.
When someone dies: first steps and notifications
Services Australia supports Australians by efficiently delivering high-quality, accessible services and payments on behalf of the government.
Smartraveller helps Australians travel overseas safely, reduce their risks and avoid problems.
Australian Death Notification Service provides free service to help you notify so you know who they are advising on your behalf.
The Australian Bereavement Register stops unwanted direct mail being sent to your loved one.
Apply for a death certificate
Coroners Courts
Australia Taxation Office aims to be a leading tax and superannuation administration, known for our contemporary service, expertise and integrity.
Medicare pays for some or all of the costs of various medical services, including services delivered in public and private hospitals.
Australian Electoral Commission delivers free and fair federal elections for Australia.
Australia Post creates connections and opportunities that matter to every Australian.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Australia's integrated corporate, markets, financial services and consumer credit regulator and we serve the Australian community.
Fair Work Ombudsman provides information about your bereavement leave entitlements.
Healthdirect helps Australians actively manage and improve their health by providing trusted information and virtual services anywhere and at any time.
Department of Veteran Affairs supports those who serve or have served in the defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice.
RSL Australia -Advocacy Support DVA Claims has nearly 600 trained volunteer compensation and wellbeing advocates spread across the country who can help guide you through the claims process.
Returned and Services League helps Australia’s Veterans and Defence families enjoy better opportunities in all aspects of their lives.
Funerals, burial and cremation
Funerals Australia (formerly the Australian Funeral Directors Association)optimises the funeral experience and ensure quality delivery of service to the wider community by enhancing and promoting professional funeral standards.
National Funeral Directors Association aims to keep funeral directors up-to-date with developments and industry legislation as well as identifying emerging pathways to success for funeral directors.
Holistic End of Life and Deathcare Australia grows the holistic end of life, deathcare, after death and funeral care space in Australia.
Australian Home Funeral Alliance aims to foster a healthier culture around death and dying.
Natural Death Advocacy Network grows Australian network and advocates partnership of community facilitators, professionals, activists and educators working to enrich the experience of death and dying.
Tender Funerals aims to ensure all Australians can access meaningful and affordable funerals.
Sustainable Funerals Group ensures that all Victorians have access to professional, dignified funeral services no matter their circumstance.
Bereavement Assistance meets the growing need of the Victorian community falling below the poverty line by providing financial relief and emotional support for people affected by death
Potters Field Funerals provides service in all areas of Melbourne and regional Victoria, providing affordable and meaningful farewells suited to your budgets and requirements.
The Natural Death Care Centre is a small NSW Charity providing end of life and after-death care Services, Education and Training.
Gathered Here to bring transparency to the Australian funeral industry, and to help families make good, informed decisions.
Australian Natural Burial Project promotes a movement that links meaningful end-of-life rituals with positive environment action.
Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association provides leadership, professional services and development, communication and networking platforms to the cemetery and crematorium industry.
Cemetery and crematoria authorities
Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (Victoria)
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (Victoria)
Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (WA)
Adelaide Cemeteries Authority (SA)
Funeral directors and services
Natural Grace Holistic Funerals provides the opportunity to choose what is right for you, your family, and the people you love is vital.
Sally Cant offering the very highest in standards, and options for your ceremony.
Alluvium Water Cremations honours your loved one with a delicate and environmentally responsible farewell.
Barry and Annette Lett Funeral Directors provides a caring environment in which to arrange a highly personalised funeral service.
The Earth Funerals Project enables Australians to choose a cremation service that is carbon positive and contributes to environmental restoration.
Green Burial Council inspires and advocates for environmentally sustainable, natural death care through education and certification
Geeveston Public Cemetery offers Natural Burial sites set within the natural bushland area on the cemetery grounds.
Heaven and Earth Eco Burial develops products that reduce toxic, unsustainable and non-biodegradable products being interred in the earth.
Southern Cryonics builds and operates Australia’s first cryonic storage facility.
TJ Scott & Son Funeral Home welcomes the chance to create personalised services.
The Last Hurrah Funerals Melbourne offers authentic and unique funerals, free cardboard caskets and gentle and compassionate help when someone dies.
PeacePod is dedicated to empowering families in the farewell process.
Direct Mortuary Transfers provides unique care and attention to loved ones in their final journey.
Daisybox makes that possible, offering eco-friendly, tough cardboard caskets that respect both your budget, the planet and safety requirements of crematoriums and eco-burial grounds.
Overseas Repatriation provides assistance to Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas.
Flower Industry Australia offers representative body for Australian flower growers and florists.
Help with funeral costs
Salvation Army provides assistance with funeral expenses. Contact your local Salvation Army office for information.
St. Vincent de Paul Society offers support for funeral expenses.
The ACT Funeral Assistance Program is provided for ACT residents in financial hardship unable to meet the full costs of a funeral for immediate family members.
Queensland Government - Funeral Assistance when you can't afford a funeral for a friend or relative who passed away in Queensland and their assets will not cover their funeral costs, you may be able to get funeral assistance.
The Bereavement Assistance Program provides assistance to community members in situations where there are insufficient funds in a deceased person’s estate to pay for a funeral, and when the deceased person’s family are unable to meet the funeral costs.
Funeral Assistance SA helps people who have experienced the death of a South Australian family member or friend to cover the costs of a funeral.
Money Smart - Paying for Funerals (Aboriginal) savings account or a prepaid funeral is a good way to plan and pay for your funeral.
Ritual, ceremony and memorialisation
Don’t Be Caught Dead: Funerals, Memorials and Ceremonies episodes our curated list of podcast episodes on funerals, memorials, ritual and ceremony.
Funeral Celebrants Association Australia offers a support network for funeral celebrants, families, and members of the funeral industry.
Australian Federation of Civil Celebrant provides professional celebrant for ceremonies for all occasions.
The Celebrants Network Inc. promoting civil ceremonies and celebrations for everyone; marriage celebrants; memorial and funeral celebrants; family and naming celebrants, celebrants for all occasions.
Proveda - Dying to Know Day is a national education campaign about the importance of end of life planning.
Death Cafe informal community conversations about death, held around Australia.
Possum Portraits free memorial portraits and bereavement resources after miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death.
Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation of professional photographers dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families who have experienced stillbirth or have children with serious or life threatening illness.
Living Legacy honours that potential by transforming ashes into living memorials—trees that grow, evolve, and carry a person's spirit forward, fostering a deeper connection to nature, community, and future generations.
Conscious Clay transforms loved one’s cremated remains or ‘ashes’ into stunning ceramic vessels, creating a truly, one-of-a-kind memorial art piece.
Master Stone Masons Association Victoria guides you through this process with integrity, compassion and professionalism.
Brighton Cemetorians history tours and community at Brighton General Cemetery.
The Departure and DEAD AIR art, radio and death literacy.
Uncomfortable Immersion creative memorialisation practice by Chloe Marcela Coelho.
Estates, probate and money
Sage Executor Solutions coordinates and manages the deceased estate administration workload associated with searching, reading, comprehending and decision making when a person dies, saving our clients in excess of 100 hours in precious time and energy.
National Debt Helpline reaches out to a financial counsellor by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Moneysmart: find unclaimed money search for lost bank accounts, shares and life insurance.
Supreme Court Probate
State Trustees providies financial and legal services at important life moments.
State Revenue Offices
The Law Society
Legal Aid
Court Services Victoria was formed to strengthen the independence of Victoria's courts and tribunals, and to put court administration into the hands of an entity directed by the judiciary.
The Courts Administration Authority is constituted by the Courts Administration Act 1993 and is independent of Government and is a means for the judiciary to control the provision of the administrative facilities and services required by State courts to carry out their judicial functions.
The Legal Services Commission is an independent statutory authority.
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners inspires confidence in families planning their assets across generations by setting and upholding high professional standards, informing public policy, promoting education, and connecting practitioners globally to share knowledge and best practice.
Law Institute Victoria (LIV) purpose is to foster the rule of law and to promote improvements and developments in the law as it affects the public of Victoria.
Doyles List gives the premier Asia-Pacific Directory of Leading Lawyers, Law Firms & Barristers.
National, Law Council of Australia promotes the administration of justice, access to justice, and general improvement of the law.
Financial Rights Legal Centreprovides free legal advice and financial counselling to people across Australia, and runs Mob Strong Debt Help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Greg Russo Law experts in succession law, and we operate with professionalism and passion to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Limited helps achieve the best retirement outcomes for fund members and there are a number of ways we work towards this.
Succession, Asset Protection & Estate Planning Advisers Association supports the growing speciality of succession, asset protection & estate planning.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers promotes and maintains the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of a series of relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence.
Australian Bookkeepers Network provides a complete range of products and services designed especially for bookkeepers.
The Insurance Council of Australia drives force behind the industry’s collective strength, ensuring that insurance is accessible to all Australians.
Certified Practising Accountant Australia get in touch CPA Australian office.
CALI advocate for national policy settings that expand Australians’ access to the life insurance protection that suits them when they need it most.
Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association offers the professional body for the stockbroking and investment advice industry in Australia, representing 8,000 professionals.
Grief and bereavement: adults
Grief Australia provides everyone with the help they need, while fostering greater recognition and a deeper understanding of the grief experience, for all Australians.
The National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc is a not for profit organisation, formed in 1977 following the Granville Train Disaster, to act as a support network for professionals seeking information on grief and bereavement.
Solace provides grief support for those grieving over the death of their partner.
Grief Link gives online information for the bereaved and grieving, carers, friends and colleagues.
The Compassionate Friends assists bereaved families in the rebuilding of their lives after the death of their child, and to support their efforts to achieve emotional and mental health.
The Compassionate Friends Victoria support for families after the death of a child of any age.
Integrating Grief Program Victoria free grief support run by Griefline.
After suicide
Support After Suicide support for people bereaved by suicide, run by Jesuit Social Services.
WINGS of Hope aims to help those bereaved by suicide by reducing isolation and preventing harm.
StandBy assists people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.
It’s Okay not to be Okay advocates and creates change in mental health, grief and suicide prevention.
After homicide, road trauma and crime
Homicide Victims Support Group Australia Inc. provides a world first trauma recovery centre. It has been built to provide even more help where it is needed.
Amber Community (formerly Road Trauma Support Services Victoria) provides counselling and support to people affected by road trauma and address attitudes and behaviours of road users through education.
Victims of Crime Support Agencies
Other grief support
Motherless Daughters Australia aims to help women, girls, and families navigate the emotional distress and lifelong impact caused by the loss of their mothers.
Ladybird Care Foundation provides bereavement care that supports and empowers grieving families to find hope and purpose once again, creating pathways for healing.
Sad Dads Club helps fellow bereaved fathers navigate life after loss by nurturing a supportive community and providing access to mental health services.
Speak & Share influences the community culture and educate on mental health strategies so that family, friends and the community should never again see any one in Australia suffer from the devastating impacts of mental health.
Refuge in Grief gives you the skills you need when life goes horribly wrong.
Phoenix Gateway integrated healer, author, researcher, alchemist, teacher and lifelong student of learning and accessing higher knowledge and wisdom.
SANE leads national mental health organisation for people with complex mental health issues in Australia and for the families and friends that support them.
Gotcha4Life inspires and enables people to take action to build their mental fitness.
Baby, child and youth
Red Nose Grief and Loss provides love, hope, understanding and support to families facing the devastating loss of their child.
Bears of Hope provides support for families who experience the loss of their baby.
Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) is an inclusive community service providing information, awareness, education, resources and support programs for anyone who has been impacted by the loss of a baby through miscarriage and early pregnancy loss. MISS is Australia's first dedicated miscarriage and early pregnancy loss information support service, established in 2012.
Pink Elephants provides the latest resources, information and peer-support for anyone impacted by early pregnancy loss.
Sands provides individualised care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future, following the death of a baby.
Stillbirth Foundation Australia raises funds to reduce the incidence and impact of stillbirth through research, education and advocacy.
The Vilomah Community guides and supports families as they are walking this journey. Our purpose is to ensure no family walks the journey of pregnancy and infant loss alone.
Amber NT supports Territorians through the unimaginable loss of a child for any reason, from conception to 18.
The Lily Mae Foundation supports parents and families after a stillbirth, neonatal death, miscarriage or medical termination.
Beyond the Rainbow creates & donates care boxes & packs statewide for families who lose children through pregnancy, stillbirth and early infancy.
The Lumina Project is an Australian registered charity providing immediate financial support and a national voice for stronger, more compassionate workplace support after the death of a child.
Bloss is a heartfelt initiative born out of shared grief and compassion, and it was founded in 2018 by four courageous women in the Riverina area – Anna, Katie, Megan, and Ruth.
Prepared Dad Foundation - Bereaved Dad Brotherhood is a collaboration that brings together fathers from diverse locations and backgrounds.
Daddys with Angels is dedicated to supporting every family member grappling with the loss of a child.
Angel Gowns Australia incorporated is a nationally registered not‐for-profit charity that specialises in supplying angel gown garments to families that have sadly had a baby pass away.
Precious Wings ensures all families who have lost a child have a feeling of ‘not being alone’ when leaving hospital with empty arms, and that they receive the support they need to navigate this difficult grief journey.
Love From Dad assists and helps you find your feet in the days, weeks, months and years after the devastating loss of something so close to your heart, your child.
Gidget Foundation supports the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care.
Rebecca Jane Foundation provides a simple but beautiful farewell to babies between the ages of 20 weeks gestation (or registered birth) and one year of age, where their parents will incur a significant financial impact by providing a farewell for their angel baby.
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
Children by Choice offers decision making counselling, evidence-based information on pregnancy options, referrals to health and support services, and post-abortion counselling and support, to clients across Queensland.
Alannah & Madeline Foundation strengthens the rights of children and young people to live free from violence and trauma wherever they live, learn and play.
Birthline Pregnancy Support Inc offers a number of counselling options and other supportive services to assist you in what you need to make an empowered and informed decision.
Wish Collective makes the path to parenthood a little less lonely.
Perinatal Mental Health Week supports and de-stigmatise perinatal mental health issues.
Penthos provides grieving parents a fully donor-funded, specialist therapy program for couples suffering unresolved grief following the loss of a child.
4Louis supports anyone affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child.
Children’s grief and support
National Centre for Childhood Grief needs of bereaved children and young people aged 3 to 18 years.
Lionheart Camp for Kids empowers bereaved children and families to navigate their grief journey through education, peer-support, strength-building and resilience.
Feel the Magic provides early intervention grief education programs for kids aged 7 to 18, who are experiencing pain and isolation due to the death of a parent, guardian, or sibling.
MacKillop Seasons provides a safe space for children, young people and adults to learn knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and respond to experiences of change, loss and grief.
Wombat’s Wish is a grassroots not-for-profit organisation based in Clifton Springs, Victoria. We are community-focused, with programs and services that are therapeutic and evidence-based.
Kids Helpline provides counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.
Canteen supports 12-25 year-olds dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one. O
Redkite offers financial, emotional, and educational support for people with cancer aged up to 18, as well as their families and networks.
Cancer Council Australia
Children’s hospice and palliative care
Hummingbird House supports hundreds of families from right across Queensland and strives to provide true choice about when, where and how they receive our care. Our vision is to be here for every eligible family that needs us.
Very Special Kids palliative care and family support for children and young people with life limiting conditions in Victoria.
The Willow Tree Foundation supports families in making social, emotional and spiritual end of life plans for their child, adolescent or young adult is the focus for The Willow Tree as we grow.
First Nations
First Nations guides and supports during these times. Additionally, contacting community organizations directly for information tailored to specific regions is recommended.
13YARN supports line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Thirrili aims to contribute to the broader social wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Torres Strait Island Regional CouncilAustralia's most northernly municipality, representing 15 unique island communities, spread across 42,000km2 of sea, and an international border with Papua New Guinea.
NSW Aboriginal Land Council was established in 1991-1992 and membership of the fund was opened up to all NSW Aboriginal people.
Northern Land Council supports Traditional Owners in preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity through effective, community-driven programs.
MacKillop Seasons provides a safe space for children, young people and adults to learn knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and respond to experiences of change, loss and grief.
Connecting Homes can provide assistance with applying for this support. Eligible applicants may receive up to $10,000 towards a funeral; a headstone or plaque; and/or repatriation of the deceased Stolen Generations person.
Central Land Council - Funeral Help is a council of 90 Aboriginal women and men elected by our communities in Central Australia to represent them, fight for their rights, help them reclaim and manage their land and realise the opportunities that come with the recognition of property rights.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) provides advice and guidance to the Australian Government on policy and budget matters and advocates for community-developed solutions that contribute to the quality of life and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aborigines Advancement League provides community based culturally strong funerals and care for grieving community members and has been doing so since the 1970s.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet contributes to improving the health of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and assist in ‘closing the gap’ by facilitating the sharing and exchange of relevant, high-quality knowledge.
Victorian Aboriginal Funeral Service provides community based culturally strong funerals and care for grieving community members and has been doing so since the 1970s.
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies assists you with your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history research.
Koorie Family History Service nurtures, honours and celebrates the continuing cultures and Songlines of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia.
NSWALC Funeral Fund provides community benefits to members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the wider Aboriginal community, the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) offers Land Council members, and Aboriginal people resident in New South Wales the ability to seek limited financial grants under a Community Benefits Scheme.
The Aboriginal Funeral Transport Program (NSW only) provides assistance with transport for Aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney, to attend funerals within NSW.
National Indigenous Critical Support Service provides support to individuals, families and communities impacted by suicide loss.
Nomuckerlener First Nations Training, Consulting and Mentoring helps improve businesses and individuals understanding of First Nations culture to help create a culturally sensitive environment for colleagues and clients.
Pay The Rent allows for a Sovereign Body of First Nations people to make decisions about how the money is allocated, while an Administration Arm of conscientious non-Aboriginal people undertakes the logistical and administrative work.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association aims to bridge mainstream practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and spiritual needs. Compassionate, culturally responsive comfort care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with life-limiting illnesses.
LGBTQIA+
ACON offers community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders
QLife talks about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships.
Thorne Harbour Health continues to lead the response by providing a range of services which include prevention education, treatment and care of PLHIV and counselling services.
Silver Rainbow supports people who are beginning to access ageing & aged care services.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) provides health-related programs, services and research focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender, intersex, queer and other sexuality, gender, and bodily diverse people.
HERE connects people of diverse gender and sexuality, their loved ones, and service providers in NSW to care, support, and resources.
The Alternatives to Suicide focuses of Alternatives to Suicide lies in mutual connection and relationship.
Discharged specialises in running peer support groups for people with personal experience of suicidal thoughts or feelings.
Charlee provides a hub made by LGBTIQA+ people who have thought about suicide, lived through suicide attempts, supported others in distress and live with the pain of loss through suicide
Support After Suicide Hub (SASH) supports and connects LGBTQIA+ people who have lost someone to suicide. SASH has information, resources, and an online community forum for LGBTQIA+ people bereaved by suicide aged 18+ to connect with each other.
For more on inclusive death care, check out The Equality Network.
For an extensive guide on queer resources, go to ABC Queer Resources.
Community groups, compassionate communities and connection
Compassionate communities, death literacy and connection
Compassionate Communities Australia grows connectedness and compassion, working together, to create a supportive environment for those in need.
Shannon's Bridge is able to assist and connect community groups, as well as patients and families, to build their own "ComCom" approach.
Care Beyond Care is a compassionate communities cradle coast on Tumikini Land funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Social Health Australia ensures that this support be made accessible for anyone who may need it, regardless of age, culture, disability, gender identity, or belief system.
Death Literacy Institute training and research to build death, grief and end of life literacy.
End Stage Matters reclaims the old ways of familiarity with death and dying, and with acceptance in our culture of the natural order of things; an embracing of our impermanence and preparation for death, and in so doing, to live life more fully.
You n’ Taboo is a local Tasmanian initiative; we are dedicated to promoting and encouraging death literacy and conversation within the community.
The Death Letter Project initial goal was to invite fifty Australians to handwrite a letter, responding to: what is death; and what happens when we die?
Ending Loneliness Together the national network working to address loneliness.
Friendline a phone and online chat line for anyone who is lonely or wants a chat.
Chatty Cafe Australia cafes where people can connect over a conversation.
University of the Third Age (U3A) low cost courses and social activities for older people.
Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres find a neighbourhood house near you.
Other organisations
Australian Psychological Society improves the lives of Australians through psychology.
Rural Health Connect links people to psychologists over video calls and phone calls.
Heart Matters Australia empowers communities with the knowledge, skills and equipment to increase the survival rate of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest.
Joy Diving Australia alleviates suffering, and to help neurodivergent people live a purposeful and passionate life, free of stigma, shame and discrimination.
Sophie's Legacy aims to honour Sophie by helping to make the vet industry safer.
Sorrento Ghost Tours offers 12 Historical locations, at least 8 of which are believed to be occupied by Ghosts, including the Continental Hotel, Athenaeum Cinema & the Masonic Lodge.
Practical help after a death
Clearing and organising a home
National Australian Cleaners Association serves the improvement of service standards in the Australian cleaning industry through innovation, business operation guidelines and support for registered members.
A Hand to Help works with clients, families and deceased estate managers to respectfully clear a home.
Institute of Professional Organisers (IOPO) International understands the needs of individuals and businesses in this industry, and strive to create opportunities for growth and connection that enable our members to flourish as professionals.
1800 Got Junk offers rubbish removal services for your home or business.
Calm Space has practical and effective approach to organising and decluttering your home and life.
The Home Edit offers tools, tips, solutions and inspiration, for transforming your everyday.
Selling assets and personal belongings
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides information on consumer rights, fair trading practices, and business regulations.
RedBook provides car prices, values, vehicle identification and pricing information in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Fast & easy car valuation for buyers & sellers
The Auctioneers & Valuers Association of Australia offers Australia’s peak national body of Auctioneers and Valuers of fine art, antiques and collectables, goods, chattels, plant and equipment.
Motor Traders Association of Australia represents retail motor trades businesses including retail, service, repair recycling and associated industries
Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) offers peak industry body in Australia that represents the interests of boating
National Real Estate Association builds the professional standing of real estate professionals within the community and to build educational pathways for its members through ‘work-based learning’ that is through professional practice.
Pets
RSPCA Australia provides information on pet loss
Pets and People shares the loss of your pet with people who will understand and support you.
Cherished Pets helping people keep their pets through ageing, illness and end of life.
Rest Your Paws at home palliative care and euthanasia for elderly and terminally ill pets.
Sunset Vets counselling one to one pet bereavement counselling.
Online accounts, privacy and security
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner conducts investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice.
Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to improve cyber security.
eSafety Commissioner focuses on promoting online safety for Australians. It provides information and resources on a wide range of online safety topics, including privacy.
Ancestry and genealogy
Trove explores amazing collections from Australian libraries, universities, museums, galleries and archives. It’s free and available online all day, every day.
The Society of Australian Genealogists welcomes enthusiastic amateurs alongside professional genealogists, sharing a passion for family history.
National Library of Australia offers a strong national focus in all that we do, and cooperating with others who share our goals, we support learning, creative and intellectual endeavour, and contribute to the continuing vitality of Australia’s diverse culture and heritage.
The National Archives of Australia strengthens trust in democracy and improves government transparency and accountability by connecting Australians to government decisions and activities.
Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) obtains access to our collections, webinars and research services. Benefit from a wide range of supportive special interest groups, workshops, classes and knowledgeable individuals.
Apps, books, podcasts and films
Apps and tools
In Tough Times endoreses by medical and mental health professionals for the friends and family of people who may be at risk of self-harm. Strongly supported by people who have lived experience.
LightsOut empowers people by increasing their knowledge and awareness about dying, death, and grief.
Willow EOL Education Program gives you access to Willow’s expanding end-of-life education and planning tools and products.
The Story Collection shares love across the globe through spoken stories, memories and messages, in a once-in-a-lifetime gift that can never be replaced.
BillWill saves time and stress for your executor and loved ones, knowing this crucial step is taken care of. In less than 10 minutes, you can create and update a secure record of your bills and subscriptions and leave clear instructions on what to do with them.
Louise Rosati transforms life stories into atmospheric and meaningful audiobooks.
Carked It! game about Life, Death and Beyond.
End Stage Matters reclaims the old ways of familiarity with death and dying, and with acceptance in our culture of the natural order of things; an embracing of our impermanence and preparation for death, and in so doing, to live life more fully.
Insight Timer offers a vast range of meditations
A Moment With it’s a place to privately, and simply, create and share stories, and preserve those unique and authentic voices.
Record Me Now makes video legacy for yourself, your family and loved ones.
Event Live effortless live streaming platform for the most important moments of your life.
Cake supports on death, grief, and mortality.
Your Life Talks share your life story & create a family keepsake, & ensure your family knows your future wishes, in our easy-to-use free App.
Books, podcasts, videos and films
Help! I’m Ageing (National Centre for Healthy Ageing podcast)
Hold the Moment (Dementia Australia podcast for carers)
Still Parents Podcast challenges societal norms and encourage men to embrace their emotions rather than conform to traditional expectations.
Good Mourning Podcast expert grief support and candid conversations on life after loss.
Discussing Choices – Indigenous Advance Care Plans successes by working respectfully with the local Anindilyakwa people, empowering them to express their end-of-life wishes by outlining the various aspects of an Advance Care Plan in a culturally safe and appropriate way.
Better off Dead Andrew Denton investigated the stories, moral arguments and individuals woven into discussions about why good people are dying bad deaths in Australia – because there is no law to help them.
The Bottom Drawer Book shows ideas, funeral plans, and your life’s reflections will sit quietly in its pages until they’re needed.
The Compassion Project. A Case for Hope & Human Kindness from the Town That Beat Loneliness heartening to read the background story of a group of healthcare workers and community members linking together to connect socially isolated individuals and to really make a difference to their wellbeing.
The Art of Being a Healing Presence Jim Miller teamed with hospice chaplain Susan Cutshall to create a book about how to be with others in a way that's compassionate, nurturing, healing, and potentially even transforming.
Dying to be Me Anita freely shares all she has learned about illness, healing, fear, 'being love,' and the true magnificence of each and every human being.
The Five Invitations shows us how to accept and embrace dying in the midst of a death-denying era and explain how death can be the guide we need to wake up fully to our lives.
Finding Fwebbers is a wonderful story for children and adults to share together following the death of a loved one.
A Better Death emphases on advocacy, leaving a legacy, and staying true to our deepest convictions, Dr Srivastava tells stories of strength, hope and resilience in the face of grief, and offers an optimistic meditation on living and dying well.
Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart explains the important difference between grief and mourning, this book explores every mourner's need to acknowledge death and embrace the pain of loss.
How to prepare for your own death allows you to have a say in everything, from what song is played at your funeral, to what happens to your body and your stuff when you’re gone.
A free ebook to support someone who is grieving designed this guide to assist you as you walk alongside someone as they navigate their grief journey.
The Inaugural Issue of The International Journal of Disability Policy and Advocacy (IJDPA) interdisciplinary journal will examine a wide range of issues related to disability including health, human rights, accessibility, transportation, sexuality and housing.
The Body Keeps The Score is the inspiring story of how a group of therapists and scientists— together with their courageous and memorable patients—has struggled to integrate recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness into treatments that can free trauma survivors from the tyranny of the past.
discover how the body reacts to your thoughts and situations and how to change negatives into healthy postives.
How to sit with someone who's dying sitting with someone who is dying, particularly when they’re someone you care about, is something many of us find overwhelming.
Carers of loved ones with dementia supported to navigate ‘tiring, isolating’ reality a lot of people are out there, not telling people their family member’s got dementia.
Let's talk about dying - Peter Saul we can't control if we'll die, but we can "occupy death" in the words of Dr. Peter Saul.
I Help People Die For A Living - Refinery29 we focus on Alua Arthur, who calls herself a Death Doula, helps people prepare for death physically, mentally, and spiritually at Going With Grace.
Six myths about grief to bust for yourself, and your loved ones you may never experience love, but you’ll definitely experience grief.
Andrew Denton on Assisted Dying at the National Press Club the pain of watching the slow death of his Denton Press Club beloved father, Kit Denton, prompted renowned broadcaster Andrew Denton to establish an advocacy group for voluntary assisted dying called Go Gentle Australia.
How to do a Good Death Jane relates her experience of helping her husband have a "good death" and what she learnt from the process - and how it can help us all prepare for that 100% chance - the chance that we might die some day.
What does a Death Doula do? people are often curious about my work as a death doula.
Ode To An End she serves dying people as a non-medical professional, working to make death and grief a more supported and realised experience for both the dying person and those around them.
Dying with an End of Life Doula Mariana provided many of the support services these people need to live fulfilling lives in their own home – often until their dying day.
Goodbye My Dog following three families as they honour and treasure the last precious days with their beloved dogs.
Conversation with BJ Miller St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne presents conversations with BJ Miller who is a triple amputee who found his calling in hospice and palliative care.
Reclaiming The End Of Life As A Human Experience BJ Miller, MD reminds us to consider the fullest view of what it means to be human - from the messy, uncomfortable issues that arise around dying to the delight of being alive in our bodies - as a path to understanding the possibilities available to open to design for the end-of-life experience.
Living with Death Podcast we invited BJ Miller back to talk about death using as our guide his recent NY Times editorial What Is Death? How the pandemic is changing our understanding of mortality.
What really matters at the end of life BJ Miller is a hospice and palliative medicine physician who thinks deeply about how to create a dignified, graceful end of life for his patients.
The Truth Of It Video Series: Palliative care learn about patients’ and caregivers’ unique experiences as well as their common threads of emotions, coping and perspective.
The Project End of Life Doula capture Helen Callanan Helen talks about the role of an End of Life Doula, helping people talk about and plan for their death.
Compassion and the true meaning of empathy Joan Halifax works with people at the last stage of life (in hospice and on death row).
Life and Beyond journal where you write down everything your family needs to know when you die.
The Conversation talking about death and dying - can we be forced to live despite our wish to have our lives end at some natural point.
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Disclaimer:
The material and information provided below and on our website is provided as general information only, and on the understanding that Critical Info is not giving you professional or legal advice on a particular matter, or on your particular circumstances. The information provided may include information from third parties, and does not indicate ... Read More