SA Death Festival 2025

A South Australian community event brought to you by Pure Land Home Hospice

October 19, 2025
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Centennial Park
760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena, South Australia

Welcome

What is the South Australia Death Festival?

The South Australia Death Festival is a public celebration and exploration of death as a universal truth — a space to reflect on life, loss, and the human experience through panel dialogues, storytelling, workshops, art, and meditation. Rooted in the belief that facing death helps us live more fully, the festival invites deep thinking, connection, and collective compassion.

Organised by Pure Land Home Hospice, an NGO offering free, community-based generalist palliative care, this festival is designed to demystify death and spark meaningful conversations across cultures, faiths, and generations. We’re proud to once again offer this festival to our valued community.

• All sessions are free of charge to ensure equitable access to all. Gold coin donations are welcome but entirely optional.

• Please book early and only register for sessions you will attend, out of respect for our facilitators and volunteers. If you need to cancel, you can easily do so [HERE].

• Please take care not to double-book overlapping sessions, and allow time for parking and registration on the day. A map of important Death Festival locations is available [HERE].

This festival is a labour of love by a small but dedicated volunteer team. We thank you for joining us in creating a more compassionate and death-literate South Australia.

A map of important Death Festival locations is available [HERE]

2025 Program Overview

This year’s Death Festival program is spread across several thoughtfully curated spaces. Clicking on each space will bring up different activities and programs you can book for that space.

1. Jubilee Complex Foyer
Our main venue for large-format talks, keynote presentations, and interfaith panels.

2. Meeting Rooms (behind Wildflowers Café). These indoor rooms host more intimate sessions for the following:
• Room 1 – Children’s Sessions
• Room 2 – Small-Format Talks
• Room 3 – Interactive Workshops

3. Meditation Tent
A quiet, restorative space for guided meditations and reflective practices.

4. Death Café Tents
Join informal, peer-led conversations about death, dying, and grief in a safe, welcoming environment.

6. Garden Activities
Drop-in spaces for diverse activities, performances, marketplace, and buggy rides to ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours.

Important:
Please check your session times carefully and avoid double-booking, as most activities run simultaneously.

FESTIVAL FORUMS

Join us for a thoughtful and wide-ranging panel discussion exploring how diverse faith traditions support the spiritual needs of those nearing the end of life. Our first interfaith panel brings together voices from Buddhism, Christianity, Aboriginal and Islam spiritual traditions, offering rich insights into how different cultures and beliefs understand death, dying, and the sacred act of accompaniment.

Panellists will share rituals, teachings, and reflections from their respective traditions—highlighting the deep wisdom and care that shape how we support individuals through life’s final transition in a session that invites deep listening and respectful dialogue across spiritual lines. Questions welcomed when prompted.

Speaker Panel:
• Venerable Tenzin Chodron: Buddhist Nun from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
• Reverend Jesse Size: Minister within the Uniting Church of Australia and spiritual care chaplain at the Queen Elizabeth and Royal Adelaide Hospital.
• Kaylene Dyinawili Wombat : is a proud Mirning, Wirangu, Kokotha woman from the far west coast of SA.
• Professor Mohamad Abdalla AM: Director: Centre for Islamic Thought and Education
University of South Australia

Facilitator:
• Catherine Ooi, Chairman of Pure Land Home Hospice

Important: Please be seated by 8:45 am for Introduction and Welcome

What do we learn from those living at the edge of life-limiting illness? In this candid conversation, Associate Professor Hannah Wardill and PhD student Natalie Tuckey reflect on their work with people living with multiple myeloma—a blood cancer marked by uncertainty, chronic symptoms, and the ever-present shadow of mortality. Drawing on stories shared through deep, sustained engagement with lived experience, they explore the emotional turbulence of life with cancer, the psychological challenges of facing death, and the unexpected clarity that sometimes emerges along the way. Questions and interaction welcome.

Speakers:
• A/Prof Hannah Wardill : leads the Supportive Oncology Research Group at SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide – a multidisciplinary research team that aims to improve the quality of life of people with cancer by better controlling the side effects of their treatment.
• Natalie Tuckey: Psychologist and PhD student whose research explores the psychological challenges of living with multiple myeloma, a life-limiting blood cancer.

This session explores how we can move beyond hospital walls to deliver compassionate, holistic support to people where they want it most— placing power back in the hands of families. Join us as we discuss the challenges, possibilities and economics of making good care a reality for everyone and hear from those working on the front lines of making this happen.

Speaker Panel:
• Sophie Shrapnel: CEO, Karuna Hospice
• Melanie Bruhn: CEO, Cittamani Hospice
• Jan McGregor: Co-CEO, Pure Land Home Hospice
• India Wallace, Co-CEO, Pure Land Home Hospice

What do those who work at the intersection of crisis, care, and mortality learn over time? This intimate panel conversation brings together professionals and practitioners who regularly encounter death in clinical, emergency, and spiritual contexts. Through grounded reflection and real-world experience, our speakers reflect on the profound lessons that arise from working in these specialties and share what becomes most visible and vital for themselves and others at the end of life. Questions welcomed when prompted.

Speaker Panel:
• Venerable Tenzin Chodron: A Buddhist Nun from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
• A/Prof David Holden: Medical head of the Northern Adelaide Palliative Service and he enjoys teaching palliative care, communication and leadership having had the privilege of studying in both Australia and the US.
• Robert Dridan: Commander, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.
• Catherine Ooi: Chairman, Pure Land Home Hospice.

CHILDREN’S SESSIONS

Please Note: Children must be accompanied at all times by adult(s)

Evidence-informed approaches, supportive language, and practical strategies for guiding children through bereavement.
Grief can be complex at any age, but for children, it often presents in ways that are unexpected and easily misunderstood. This session offers practical, research-informed guidance on how to talk with children about death and support them through loss. We’ll explore developmental stages of grief, common emotional and behavioural responses, and how to respond with clarity, empathy, and care.

Please note: This session is intended for parents and caregivers only. It is not designed for health professionals, and children are not permitted to attend.

Speaker:
Prof Jon Jureidini PhD MBBS FRANZCP :
Child Psychiatrist
Research Leader, Critical and Ethical Mental Health (CEMH) School of Medicine
Robinson Research Institute | The University of Adelaide

This gentle, circle-based session invites children to explore the themes of change, grief, and connection through beloved picture books such as The Invisible String, Lifetimes and The Invisible Leash. Led by a skilled facilitator with experience in children’s grief, the session uses storytelling as a doorway to help children understand that goodbyes don’t mean love disappears—and that every ending can carry a beginning. After the story circle, children will be guided in a creative activity, where they can express their feelings, remember someone special, or simply reflect in their own way. This is a safe, nurturing space designed to help children feel seen, supported, and connected—no pressure to share, just gentle encouragement to explore. Parents and carers are welcome to stay nearby or join in quietly. Ideal for children who have experienced loss, of someone close or a pet, this session is a soft-landing place for little hearts.

Session Facilitator:
• Barbara Binns, Narrative and Arts Practitioner, Pure Land Home Hospice

This special session offers children a quiet, supported space to gently honour someone they have lost—be it a parent, sibling, grandparent, pet or friend. With the guidance of a qualified facilitator experienced in children’s grief, children will be invited to create a memory box or heart map—a personal keepsake filled with drawings, symbols, words, or treasures that remind them of the person they love. Through this process, children are gently encouraged to reflect, express, and remember in their own unique way. The session will be a hands-on creative time. This is a safe, welcoming space—no pressure to share, just gentle support to explore feelings of love, loss, and connection. Parents and carers are welcome to stay nearby. Sometimes, it’s not about finding the right words—it’s about making space for the heart to speak.

Session Facilitator:
• Merel Purmer, Art Therapist & Counseller, The Art of Expression.
• Lee Walter, Art Therapist.

When someone we love dies, it can feel confusing, sad, or heavy inside. Natural elements can be a kind friend during those times—it helps us feel calm, safe, and not so alone. In this session, children will be gently guided to honour the person or pet they miss through simple, beautiful activities using stones, leaves, water, and words. There will be time to sit quietly, listen to a short story or poem, and place a small offering into nature as a way of saying goodbye—or just “I remember you. This gathering is about sharing, healing, and knowing it’s okay to feel however you feel. We’ll create a peaceful space together, held by the trees, the sky, and each other. Grief is love that misses someone. And in nature, love always has a place to grow.

Speakers:
Claire Mckee : Art Therapist I Arts in Health and SAPS (Laurel Hospice) Allied Health, Southern Adelaide local Health Network SA Health
Jess Bennett: Arts Therapist Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Residential Aged Care, BHFLHN (Barossa, Hills and Fleurieu Local Health Network).

SALON SESSIONS

As more people seek meaningful, affordable and eco-conscious end-of-life choices, natural burial is emerging as a beautiful alternative. This talk explores what natural burial really means, the best practice standards for Australian, the ways it supports family and community in the grief and how it can honour both the person who has died and the earth itself. Our talk will explore the environmental, financial and emotional aspects of returning to the earth. Come with your questions!

Speakers:
Rebecca Lyons & Heidi Greg

Rebecca and Heidi are both independent Funeral Directors & End of Life Doulas as well as board directors of the Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN). Rebecca is President of the Australian Home Funeral Alliance (AHFA).

From mapping out careers to creating cherished memories, we’re experts at planning for the big moments. So why not also plan for our end-of-life journey?
Planning ahead helps reduce the emotional burden on your family and friends and can provide comfort knowing that they are honouring your final wishes.
Led by Wills and Estate Planning Specialist Zeena Anthony-Qureshi from Wallmans Lawyers, and our Centennial Park Memorial Team, we’ll discuss the benefits of end-of-life planning, with a focus on the legal aspects and the things to consider for your final farewell.
Ample time will be provided for Q&A and discussion, offering attendees the opportunity to leave feeling informed, confident, and ready to take the next step for themselves and loved ones.

Speakers:
• Olwin Cole: Manager Marketing Media and Community Engagement, Centennial Park
• Zeena Anthony-Qureshi: Special Counsel in Wills, Estate and Succession planning, Walmans Lawyers

Come into this yarning circle between Catherine Ooi and Cindy Paardekooper, a proud Kokatha woman. This yarn will explore Cindy’s journey of founding a national First Nations palliative care organisation, the unique care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and cultural perspectives on death, dying, and the spirit’s journey. Our circle welcomes and invites you to join us in a gentle, respectful sharing.

Yarn Weavers:
• Cindy Paardekooper: Founding Director of the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association (NATSIPCA)
• Catherine Ooi: Chairman, Pure Land Home Hospice

Step into the reality of contemporary funerals in this open sharing session with a Funeral Director. From caring for the body and managing logistics to navigating family dynamics and creating meaningful ceremonies, Darren gently lifts the veil on what truly happens after someone dies. Whether you’re grieving, planning ahead, or simply curious, this honest conversation invites your questions and offers clarity, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of one of life’s most profound passages.

Speaker:
• Darren Lewis, Funeral Director, Farrell & O’Neill Funerals

WORKSHOPS

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is about making sure your values, wishes, and preferences are known—so that if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself, others can act with clarity and confidence on your behalf. This free workshop will guide you through what Advance Care Planning involves, how to get started, and why it matters—for both you and your loved ones. You’ll learn how to choose a substitute decision-maker, document your choices, and differentiate between key documentation and what they are meant to do.

Facilitator:
• Jan McGregor, CEO, Pure Land Home Hospice

Important: Please bring pen(s) and be seated well before session begins.

In this gentle and expressive workshop, you’ll be guided to explore your grief through the healing power of poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or simply curious, this is a space to give shape to what can feel unspeakable. Using simple prompts and reflective pauses, we’ll write from the heart — honouring memory, love, and all that remains. No experience needed, just a willingness to show up with your story. Poet Mike Ladd will guide you with examples, writing exercises and feedback.

Facilitator:
• Michael Ladd: is a poet, essayist and reviewer. He has published ten collections of poetry and prose, including the natural history haibun Karrawirra Parri, Walking the Torrens from Source to Sea (2012) and Dream Tetras (2022) an experimental collaboration with visual artist Cathy Brooks. Mike worked for ABC Radio for nearly forty years, firstly as a sound engineer and then as a producer of dramas and documentaries. He was the editor of Radio National’s Poetica program, which brought Australian and international poetry to a wide audience. His new and selected poems Now Then is published by Wakefield Press.

Important: Please bring pen(s) and a journal and be seated well before session begins.

This workshop, presented by Palliative Care SA (PCSA), is yet to be confirmed.
PCSA is the peak body for palliative care in South Australia, providing advocacy, education, and community engagement around end-of-life care. This important session will be part of the program and will confirm details soon.

Join us for a contemplative still life drawing workshop using charcoal at the SA Death Festival. Guided by a Nicola Semmens a very skilled South Australian artist, you’ll explore the quiet beauty of impermanence through simple forms and shadows. No experience needed—just a willingness to slow down, observe, and reflect. All materials provided.

Facilitator:
• Nicola Semmens, landscape & still Life artist, Collective Haunt.

Please be seated well before the session begins. All materials are supplied. This session is free of charge, however, donations towards materials are warmly welcomed.

MEDITATION SESSIONS

Important: Please be at the Info Desk at least 15 minutes before session. You will then be taken to the Meditation Tent by a Volunteer.

Curious about meditation but don’t know where to start? This gentle, beginner-friendly session offers simple techniques to calm the mind, soothe the body, and settle the heart.

Led by an experienced meditation teacher, you’ll be guided through the basics of meditation and hear how this practice can offer profound support during grief, at the end of life, or when sitting with uncertainty. Whether you’re mourning someone dear or simply seeking more peace within, you’re warmly welcome.

No experience needed—just bring your breath and an open heart.

Guide:
• Chris Warren, Meditation Leader, Buddha House

Important: meet at Info Desk at 8.45am to be taken to the Meditation Tent. Please do not bring yoga mats, we will provide meditation cushions if you would like to sit on the floor or chairs. We regret that we are unable to admit latecomers into the tent.

In Buddhism, reflecting on death is not morbid—it is a powerful way to awaken to the value of this precious human life. This inspiring teaching and guided meditation invites us to turn toward the reality of death—not to create fear, but to inspire clarity, presence, and a deeper appreciation of life. Rather than turning away, we learn to meet death with wisdom, exploring the truths we often avoid and allowing space to consider what truly matters. This session offers a quiet and supportive atmosphere to live with greater purpose, sincerity, and alignment with our deeper values. No experience needed—just a willingness to listen inward.

This session comprises of one teaching session and one meditation session.
Guide:
• Venerable Tenzin Chodron: Buddhist Nun from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Important: meet at Info Desk at 10.45am to be taken to the Meditation Tent. Please do not bring yoga mats, we will provide meditation cushions if you would like to sit on the floor or chairs. We regret that we are unable to admit latecomers into the tent.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, this gentle meditation offers a space to reconnect with the innate compassion within us. Rooted in Buddhist practice and adapted for all, this session will guide you to open your heart — first to yourself, then to others.
Whether you’re grieving, supporting someone through loss, or simply seeking more kindness in your daily life, this is a chance to cultivate warmth, resilience, and connection. No experience needed — just a willingness to be present.

Guide:
• Hero Weston – Meditation Facilitator Buddha House

Important: meet at Info Desk at 1.15 pm to be taken to the Meditation Tent. Please do not bring yoga mats, we will provide meditation cushions if you would like to sit on the floor or chairs. We regret that we are unable to admit latecomers into the tent.

In a world of constant change, how do we find peace? This guided meditation offers a gentle invitation to sit with the truth of impermanence — the rising and falling of all things. Together, we will explore how the awareness of change can soften resistance, deepen presence, and open the heart to what truly matters. Through breath, silence, and reflection, you’ll be supported to rest in the spaciousness beneath life’s transitions — cultivating acceptance, clarity, and calm amidst uncertainty. All welcome, no experience needed.

Guide:
• Janne Graham, Meditation Leader, Buddha House

Important: meet at Info Desk at 2.45 pm to be taken to the Meditation Tent. Please do not bring yoga mats, we will provide meditation cushions if you would like to sit on the floor or chairs. We regret that we are unable to admit latecomers into the tent.

DEATH CAFES

Death Cafe: Conversations That Matter

Death Cafés are a well known global movement that brings together people from all walks of life to have friendly, casual conversation and explore thoughts, fears, and questions about living and dying. Pull up a chair for an open, gentle conversation — no agenda, no lecture, just honest sharing with each other over coffee and biscuits. All people who are 18 + are welcome.

  • Death Cafe

  • Please book under preferred session time.

Important: Please arrive at the Front Desk 15 minutes before your session. A volunteer will take the group to the tent. Coffee will be available nearby – come early to grab a cuppa and meet your fellow café mates. Latecomers won’t be admitted once the session has begun.

Session 1, Tent 1 – Hosted by Ben Buttfield
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm

Register Here

Session 1, Tent 2 – Hosted by Briget Kelly
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm

Register Here

Please arrive at the Info Desk 15 minutes before your session and volunteer will take the group to the tent. Alternately you can locate the tent on your own. Coffee will be available nearby; come early to grab a cuppa and meet your fellow café mates. Due to the intimate nature of conversation, we regret that latecomers will not be admitted once the session has begun.

18+ years only. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited to 10 per session/tent. Please remember your session time and tent number (Tent 1 or Tent 2).

Session 2, Tent 1 – Hosted by Barbara Binns
Time: 1.00 – 2.30pm

Register Here

Session 2, Tent 2 – Hosted by Carolyn Rowe
Time: 1.00 – 2.30pm

Register Here

Please arrive at the Info Desk 15 minutes before your session and volunteer will take the group to the tent. Alternately you can locate the tent on your own. Coffee will be available nearby; come early to grab a cuppa and meet your fellow café mates. Due to the intimate nature of conversation, we regret that latecomers will not be admitted once the session has begun.

18+ years only. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited to 10 per session/tent. Please remember your session time and tent number (Tent 1 or Tent 2).

Session 3, Tent 1 – Hosted by Nynke van der Burg
Time: 2.45 – 4.15pm

Register Here

Session 3, Tent 2 – Hosted by Helen Roberts
Time: 2.45 – 4.15pm

Register Here

Please arrive at the Info Desk 15 minutes before your session and volunteer will take the group to the tent. Alternately you can locate the tent on your own. Coffee will be available nearby; come early to grab a cuppa and meet your fellow café mates. Due to the intimate nature of conversation, we regret that latecomers will not be admitted once the session has begun.

18+ years only. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited to 10 per session/tent. Please remember your session time and tent number (Tent 1 or Tent 2).

BEHIND THE SCENES

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gain valuable insight into the inner workings of Centennial Park. Ask questions and learn how we provide dignified care for the departed and their loved ones.
Three tours are available with a limit of 15 people per tour.

Important: Meet us at the SA Death Festival Info Desk 5 minutes before, located at the Jubilee Complex Forecourt.

Join the friendly Centennial Park team for a relaxed but highly informative behind-the-scenes tour of the Jubilee Complex, receiving area, Living Legacy Forever Flowers Garden and crematorium.
A motorised buggy will be provided for your comfort, however there are some stairs and walking required.

Click Here to Book

Join the friendly Centennial Park team for a relaxed but highly informative behind-the-scenes tour of the Jubilee Complex, receiving area, Living Legacy Forever Flowers Garden and crematorium.
A motorised buggy will be provided for your comfort, however there are some stairs and walking required.

Click Here to Book

Join the friendly Centennial Park team for a relaxed but highly informative behind-the-scenes tour of the Jubilee Complex, receiving area, Living Legacy Forever Flowers Garden and crematorium.
A motorised buggy will be provided for your comfort, however there are some stairs and walking required.

Click Here to Book

GARDEN COMMUNITY EVENTS

What does the ancient stoics have to say about life and death? Our Roaming Stoic Philosopher Joseph Hass offers reflections on impermanence, courage, and what it means to live and die well—especially when time is short. Bringing the teachings of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius into modern everyday moments, Joseph will lead you on a walk amidst tombstones and trees, to converse the way the Ancients did it, surrounded by nature, tombstones, and the circle of life.

Guide:
• Joseph Hass, Communication Specialist & Stoic

Book session 1 here: 10.00am – 11:30am
Register Here

Book session 2 here: 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Register Here

Important: This is a roaming session, so we don’t know where our Stoic Philosopher will take you. Please be at Info Desk 10 minutes before the session starts. Light walking on uneven gravel and sitting on the ground may be required; please dress comfortably.

Join us for a relaxed community picnic under the trees. Peruse the market stalls, watch a natural shrouding demonstration, and connect with community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Bring your own blanket and spread or pre-order one of the delicious picnic boxes from Blanco Horner (picnic box pre-orders available soon), Centennial Park’s wonderful café and catering team—these were a big hit last year and are a great way to skip the café queue. Wildflowers Café will also be open from 8.30 am-4.00 pm offering coffee, cake, and lunchtime favourites.

During the lunch hour the Adelaide Threshold Singers will sing gentle, harmony-based songs that offer comfort and presence to those navigating grief, dying, or simply seeking stillness. If you would like to experience being ‘sung’, you are welcome to relax in one of their chairs, or wherever close-by is comfortable for you, and allow the music to wash over you.

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle too! Centennial Park will have a temporary water fountain where you can refill throughout the day—located outside in the Jubilee Complex Forecourt. Stay hydrated while you enjoy the festivities!

Adelaide Threshold Singers: For more information about threshold singing go to thresholdchoir.org

Be a part of the sacred beauty of a natural shrouding demonstration—an ancient, simple, and deeply respectful way of preparing a body after death. These interactive demonstrations offer a hands-on look at how we can care for our loved ones using gentle cloth, intention, and presence. Whether you’re curious, preparing, or just exploring alternatives to modern funeral practices, this is a powerful demonstration on intimacy, love and devotion, physically expressed.

Facilitated by the Natural Death Advocacy Network & Australian Home Funeral Alliance.

Important: No registration required. Please consult Info Desk or one of our Volunteers for exact location

Facilitators:
Rebecca Lyons and Heidi Greg are both independent Funeral Directors & End of Life Doulas as well as board directors of the Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN). Rebecca is President of the Australian Home Funeral Alliance (AHFA).

The SA Death Festival is proudly supported by

PURE LAND HOME HOSPICE

Adelaide, SA

Contact details to come! In the meantime,
please use our contact form above.

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