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Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info 10:15 Sorted! platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

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speaker Page - Banner Image

Catherine Ashton

Empowering end-of-life conversations

Founder of Critical Info
Host of Don't Be Caught Dead podcast
Award winning Speaker & MC
Soon to be published author (September 2025)
Advocate for end-of-life planning

Inspire.
Empower.
Prepare.

Catherine is an award-wining speaker and MC. Her experience and compassionate approach make her an engaging and informative speaker on topics related to death, bereavement, and end-of-life planning.

Catherine is available for:

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Keynote presentations

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MC/Host of an event

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Panelist at forum or conference

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Inspirational talks

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Expert commentary

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Workplace training

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Professional development

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Regional, interstate and international opportunities welcome

For further information, download speaker kit

Mumpreneur - Bronze Award Mumpreneur - Peoples Choice Awards Mumpreneur - Peoples Choice Social Enterprise Mumpreneur - Social Excellence Women's Business - Finalist 2024 Awards
Image of critical info founder - kathryn

“..These events brought her 
face-to-face with the importance of end-of-life planning and fuelled her determination to create a secure and informative platform to empower individuals in making informed decisions..” 

About Catherine

Catherine Ashton is the dynamic force behind Critical Info, a platform dedicated to end-of-life planning and awareness. Her journey began through profound personal experiences – a serious car accident in 2019 and the unexpected death of a dear friend in 2023. These events brought her face-to-face with the importance of end-of-life planning and fuelled her determination to create a secure and informative platform to empower individuals in making informed decisions.

Catherine is an award-winning speaker and MC who has worked with companies such as Price Waterhouse Coopers Eldercare network, Griefline, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council and Frankston Social Enterprise Hub. Catherine has appeared in numerous publications and news platforms including SBS World news, Channel 31, 98.7 RPP Radio – Mornington radio, Frankston City Council Positive Ageing Together Newsletter, Mornington Peninsula Magazine, Mornington Peninsula Shire Positive Ageing Newsletter, Australian Funeral Directors Association Newsletter and Lived Experience Australia eNews. Catherine was awarded the BRONZE in the 2024 AusMumpreneur Awards – One to Watch.


Catherine’s personal story is one of resilience and overcoming trauma. From the tragic murder of her best friend and her mother at the age of six to various professional roles, including programming at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and professional boxing, Catherine has a unique ability to engage with people from all walks of life. She bravely discusses taboo subjects and draws from her own grief to empower others.

Catherine Ashton is dedicated to breaking the silence around death and providing the tools and knowledge necessary for comprehensive end-of-life planning. Through her platform, Critical Info, and her podcast, Don’t Be Caught Dead, she continues to support and empower individuals facing the realities of mortality.

Testimonials

What our community is saying

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Catherine's insights at our inaugural Startup Spotlight panel were truly invaluable. Her willingness to openly share her personal journey and dedication to supporting the startup network exemplify her commitment to nurturing innovation. Catherine's guidance and genuine connection with aspiring entrepreneurs highlight her commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial community

Joanne Petrillo
Business and Industry Support Officer, Mornington Peninsula Shire
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Fantastic

Brendon Telfer
Local news content creator, Mornington Peninsula’s Radio RPPfm 98.7
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Thanks for a great chat Catherine and for your very valuable service that helps people navigate a very emotionally-charged time in their lives.

Dr Fabienne Chevalier
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Thank you Catherine for MC'ing and introducing a great line up of speakers and guests at the first "Dying to Know" event hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The Dying to Know event contributes to the Shire's Positive Ageing Strategy Domain 9: Quality of Life and facilitates initial conversations around the ‘normalisation’ of dying, death and bereavement as part of everyday community life on the #MorningtonPeninsula.

The event was well received by the community and I look forward to continue more work on the Quality of Life domain for our community.

Antonella Celi
Deputy Mayor, Mornington Peninsula Shire
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HUGE congrats Catherine Ashton to you and all the speakers and organisers for a really fabulous event. Without question it had a hugely positive impact on attendees. Thank you from me, Ollie and Mia! 

Danielle Jacobs MAPS, Senior Psychologist, Speaker, Coach & Consultant

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!

Sign up to be one of the first users of 10:15 Sorted! when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

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