Pure Land Death Festival 2024

October 12, 2024
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Centennial Park
760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena, South Australia

Bring your picnic blanket and join us for a relaxing picnic lunch from 12pm – 1pm under the shade of the beautiful trees at Centennial Park.

Wildflowers Café has created special picnic boxes for pre-order for those attending sessions at the Death Festival, featuring a delicious baguette, garden salad, and chocolate brownie. Dietary options available.

Order yours here: https://jim-dandy-food.myshopify.com/collections/deathfestival

Please note, orders close on October 8.

The café will be open for snacks and drinks on the day.

We’d love to have you join us!

What is a Death Festival?

Discover the essence of the Death Festival with Pure Land Home Hospice and Centennial Park. The festival is a nurturing and compassionate approach to embracing life’s inevitable journey. While death is a universal truth, it’s often shrouded in taboo, leaving many unprepared to face it.

Death festivals offer a unique way to confront this reality, fostering dialogue, meditation and storytelling to alleviate the fear surrounding death. We’re excited to bring this event to South Australia, aiming to demystify death and spark meaningful community conversations.

This public event features expert speakers, a children’s area, art therapy, a Death Café, meditations, informative market stalls and much more.

We hope it becomes a cornerstone for community engagement with plans to grow annually and benefit all South Australians.

Sessions are free of charge but bookings are essential.

Please note: Space is very limited, so please book early to secure your spot. If you’re unable to attend, kindly text me at 0400 401 028 so that someone else can benefit from your space.

Journey of Life: Children’s Sessions

Engage kids in meaningful discussions, art, and stories about life’s journey and beyond.

Book Children’s Sessions

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‘Honouring Memories: A Children’s Ritual and Storytime’
10.45 am – 11.45 am
Join us for a special session for children ages 5-9. We will begin with a gentle ritual, where each child is invited to bring a photo of a beloved pet or person to honour their memory and can light an electric candle. Afterward, we’ll head to the tent for a heartfelt story and will finish with some playtime.

Children are naturally curious about death, and it can sometimes be difficult for parents to address these questions. Being in a group with other children can make these conversations easier and help normalise the experience. Each child must be accompanied by a parent for this meaningful and supportive session.

‘Creating Memories: Art and Discussion for Children’
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm
Join us for a special session for children ages 10-13. Each child is invited to bring a photo of a pet or person they love, and the session will begin with an art and craft activity to create a meaningful keepsake in their memory. Following the craft, we’ll have a discussion to share stories and feelings.

Children are naturally curious about death, and it can sometimes be challenging for parents to address these questions. Being in a group with other children can make these conversations easier and help normalise the experience. Each child must be accompanied by a parent for this meaningful and supportive session.

Navigating Loss: A Discussion for Teens
3.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Join us for a special session for teenagers ages 14-18 at the Death Festival. The session will utilise a series of prints of black and white photographic images taken from Centennial Park for participants to use to create a photo collage along with a group generated discussion about death as part of life.

Teenagers often find it difficult to discuss, deal with, and make sense of death. Being in a group with others their age can make these conversations easier and help normalise the experience. This session aims to provide a supportive and open environment for meaningful discussions.

Preparing for Death: Meditation Sessions

Find peace and understanding through guided meditations and thoughtful discussions on death. These sessions are designed for adults aged 18 and over.

Book Meditation Sessions

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Embracing Change: A Meditation on Impermanence
10.45 am – 11.45 am
Join us for a profound meditation session on impermanence.

This session will begin with an introduction to the topic, setting the stage for our practice. The meditation will guide you in reflecting on the transient nature of life, helping you embrace change and find peace in the present moment. Through gentle guidance, we will explore how understanding impermanence can deepen our appreciation for life and foster a sense of acceptance and resilience. Following the meditation, there will be a discussion to share insights and experiences, providing a supportive space for personal growth and spiritual insight.
Led by Lyndy Abram
Director Buddha House

Opening the Heart: A Meditation on Compassion
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm
Join us for a transformative meditation session on compassion.

This session will begin with an introduction to the topic, setting the foundation for our practice. The meditation will guide you in cultivating a deep sense of empathy and kindness towards yourself and others. Through gentle guidance, we will explore how developing compassion can enhance our well-being, foster connections, and bring a greater sense of peace and understanding into our lives. Following the meditation, there will be a discussion to share insights and experiences, providing a supportive space for personal growth and spiritual connection.
Led by Janne Graham

Embracing the End: A Meditation on Preparing for Death
2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Join us for a meaningful meditation on preparing for death.

Led by Venerable Tenzin Chodron, an Australian Buddhist nun with deep expertise in compassionate care. The session will begin with an introduction, followed by a guided meditation reflecting on mortality to cultivate peaceful acceptance of life’s end. Afterward, we’ll have a discussion to share insights and foster personal growth and spiritual understanding.
Led by Venerable Tenzin Chodron

Conversations on Life and Death: Death Café

Share open-hearted conversations about life’s final journey in a welcoming café atmosphere.

Book Death Café

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Embracing Conversations: The Transformative Power of Death Cafes
10.30 am – 12.00 pm
1.15 pm – 2.45 pm
3.15 pm – 4.45 pm
A Death Café is a warm, welcoming space where people gather to share heartfelt conversations about death and dying over coffee or tea and light refreshments. This informal setting invites you to express yourself about your thoughts, fears, and questions regarding mortality, breaking the silence and taboo surrounding this deeply human experience.

By participating, you’ll gain a profound understanding of your own feelings about death, find solace in the shared stories of others, about this inevitable part of life. Attending a Death Café can be a transformative experience, helping to normalise discussions about death and fostering a strong sense of community and connection. Join us to embrace these meaningful conversations and discover the emotional comfort that comes from shared understanding and support.

Speaker’s Tent Sessions : Let’s Talk About Death, Dying, and Bereavement:

Join us for engaging talks, helping us understanding and coping with death, dying and bereavement.

Book Speaker’s Tent

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Palliative Care Is…
10.45 am – 11.45 am

The way we care for our dying reflects the humanity and compassion of our society.
This talk explores what palliative care is in simple, community-friendly language.
It will introduce you to ten easy to remember aspects of palliative care, so you can improve your understanding and be able to describe to others.
The topics included in this course are:
Common myths and misunderstandings about palliative care
What is palliative care
What the World Health Organisation says
Who provides palliative care

Adjunct Associate Professor Shyla Mills (she/her) has worked in palliative care for over 20 years across different settings including paediatrics, community and aged care throughout Australia, as well as internationally in India, Nepal, Mongolia and the UK. Prior to her role at Palliative Care South Australia, she was the CEO at Palliative Care Queensland, and before that a National Program Manager at Palliative Care Australia. Shyla is board member for the international charity Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom for over 10 years and was the former Vice-President of Palliative Care Nurses Australia.
Shyla Mills,
Adjunct Associate Professor and CEO at Palliative Care South Australia (PCSA)

The Importance of Advance Care Planning: Thinking in advance about what you want
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm
Should the time come when you are unable to make these decisions for yourself, then your Advance Care Directives will help those responsible for your care to provide you with the kind of life (and death) that you would choose for yourself if you could.

This applies not just to your future health care, but also to your preferred living arrangements, end of life scenarios, and other personal matters. The planning process involves thinking about what is important to you and documenting that in a way that carries legal weight as well as clear guidance to your substitute decision makers, and peace of mind to you.
Jan McGregor
Pure Land Home Hospice

Everything You Want to Know About Funerals: Exploring the Many Ways to Say Goodbye
2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
In a world where traditions are evolving, funerals have become more than just a farewell; they are a reflection of a life lived and a bridge between the past and those left behind. This talk delves into the diverse landscape of funeral practices, from eco-friendly green burials to intimate home funerals, celebratory life memorials, and culturally infused rituals. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, discover how these varied options can help create a meaningful, personalised ceremony that honours the deceased while providing comfort to the living. Learn how today’s funerals can be a powerful expression of love, remembrance, and healing in our diverse and ever-changing society.
Mark Williams
Centennial Park
Manager of Customer Service and Sales.

Unveiling the Mystery: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Death & Dying but Were Afraid to Ask: A Q&A Panel on Death and Dying
3.45 pm – 4.45 pm
Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking Q&A panel featuring a diverse group of experts discussing death and dying. This panel brings together professionals from various fields, including healthcare, spiritual care, and bereavement support, who will share their unique insights and experiences.

Our panellists will answer your questions about the many facets of death and dying, offering perspectives on end-of-life care, the grieving process, and the philosophical and spiritual aspects of mortality. This session aims to demystify death, dispel the fear of dying, and encourage open dialogue. By providing valuable information and fostering understanding, we hope to help participants better cope with the inevitable end of life. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with those who have dedicated their lives to understanding and supporting others through the journey of death and dying.
Panel : Venerable Tenzin Chodron; Dr Matt Hooper; Darren Lewis
Facilitated by Catherine Ooi

Meeting Room Sessions : Let’s Talk About Death, Dying, and Bereavement

Join us for engaging talks, helping us understanding and coping with death, dying and bereavement.

Book Talks

Confronting Death: Understanding Death Anxiety and Denial
10.45 am – 11.45 pm
Death anxiety is the fear of dying, or the dread of a possible death or process of death. Leading experts believe that death anxiety can be conscious or unconscious and can range from mild discomfort to severe phobia.

Death Anxiety can include fear for yourself or others, worries about the unknown, as well as fear of potential pain, death or disease. Learning about death anxiety can help us understand ourselves better, relate to others differently, and help us live with less fear and worry.
Catherine Ooi

Planning for Legacy: Navigating the Legalities of Wills and End-of-Life Decisions
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm
This important and informative session delves into the essential aspects of preparing for the inevitable with clarity and intention This talk will explore the legal frameworks surrounding wills, estates, and end-of-life choices, emphasising the importance of ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. By understanding the intricacies of wills, power of attorney, and other legal documents, participants will gain the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, protect their legacy, and approach the future with peace of mind.
Julie Height
JH Lawyers

Providing Compassionate End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine
2.30pm – 3.15 pm
Managing traumatic or unexpected death in healthcare requires balancing medical intervention with individual patient needs and prioritising comfort and dignity.

In the ICU and emergency settings, avoiding unnecessary suffering is crucial. Recognising when to shift focus from life-saving measures to palliative care ensures respect for the patient’s wishes. Ultimately, the goal is to honour the patient’s dignity through compassionate, holistic end-of-life care, ensuring a humane and respectful experience for people and their families.
Dr Matt Hooper
Calvery ICU

Compassion and Connection: Living & Dying in Residential Settings
3.45 pm – 4.45 pm
Join us for an insightful discussion on the importance of compassion and connection for those living out their final days in residential settings. This talk will explore how to support individuals with dignity and empathy, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

We’ll discuss the roles of family, staff, and community in creating a nurturing environment that honours each person’s unique journey. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply interested in the topic, this session offers valuable insights on fostering meaningful connections during this profound stage of life.
Susan Emerson
Board Chair
Palliative Care SA

General Admission : No bookings necessary

Adelaide Threshold Singers
12 pm to 1 pm
Adelaide Threshold Singers provide bedside singing for individuals who are dying and their loved ones.

Unlike choral performances aimed at entertainment, threshold singing evokes loving calmness and ease. Affiliated with Threshold Choir International, an organisation dedicated to “singing for those at the thresholds of life,” Adelaide Threshold Singers are volunteers who offer their services free of charge.

For more information or to request singers, contact Trish Hensley at 0430 796 900 or adelaidethresholdsingers@gmail.com

Sustainable End-of-Life Practices: Natural Burials, Cremations, and Shrouding. Ceremonies
Demonstrations throughout the day
In natural burial, a person can be returned to the earth in a gentle, sustainable and dignified way that adds value to the earth.

You do not need a coffin to be buried in a grave, shrouds have been used for thousands of years. Shrouds can be many layered and are commonly used to cover a deceased person, and this is the best way to achieve the optimal goals for natural burial and it is a cost-effective way of doing cremation. In many countries coffins (and funeral directors) remain a choice rather than a requirement when someone dies. Natural burial is a responsible, sustainable and (should be) a financially viable alternative to conventional burial and has a much greater environmental benefit than flame cremation. By being proactive, by becoming informed and raising your own levels of death literacy, you will find there is much more agency and choice in end of life than you may have thought.

Picnic In The Park
12 pm – 1 pm
Join us for a picnic under the majestic Moreton Bay fig trees in Centennial Park’s beautiful garden.

Whether you bring your own picnic or treat yourself to the delicious offerings from Wildflowers Café, it’s a wonderful opportunity to relax and connect. We’ll also have specially curated picnic baskets available for order—details to come! While you enjoy the serene surroundings, there will be a chance to engage in meaningful conversations about death and dying with other festival participants. We’ll provide picnic rugs, tables, and chairs, but feel free to bring your own setup to make the experience uniquely yours. Come for the food, stay for the connection, and leave with a sense of community.

Whimsy and Reflection: Children’s Face Painting at the Death Festival.
11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Bring the little ones for a touch of color and creativity at our Death Festival with children’s face painting!

While the festival offers meaningful conversations about death and dying, we also provide space for kids to express themselves in a fun and light-hearted way. Our talented face painters will be on hand to transform faces into butterflies, animals, or even symbols of life and growth, blending whimsy with gentle reflections on life’s journey. It’s a beautiful way to include children in the day’s events, offering them a space to explore their creativity while being part of a meaningful community gathering.

Art of Life: Children’s Creative Tent
10.30 am – 3.00 pm
Let your child’s imagination run wild at the “Art of Life” tent during the Death Festival!

This special space is designed for kids to explore the themes of life, growth, and transformation through art. They can paint, draw, and craft their interpretations of the circle of life in a supportive and creative environment. Our activities are tailored to help children express their thoughts and feelings about life and death in a way that is gentle, age-appropriate, and full of colour. It’s a beautiful way for them to engage with the festival’s themes while enjoying hands-on, creative fun.

Market Place

Join us at the Death Festival and explore our educational stalls from 10 am to 3.30 pm, where you can gain valuable insights into all aspects of death and dying. Whether you’re looking to prepare for the future or simply curious about the end-of-life journey, our festival offers essential information and resources to help you approach these topics with knowledge and confidence.