Gemma Pengilly from Western NSW LHD Specialist Palliative Care, Marie Johnson
(Compass Care4U) and Kerry Cooper from Walsh Funerals.
Around 50 people attended a Dying to
Know Day event in Cobar last Wednesday,
aimed at encouraging conversations and
helping people better understand the
services available to support them through
end-of-life planning.
Held at the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club, the
event brought together a range of service
providers covering the medical, legal, practical
and emotional aspects of preparing for end of
life.
Event organiser Kara O’Hara from Kirinari
said the day was not just aimed at older people,
but encouraged everyone to consider putting
their affairs in order and making their wishes
known.
She said having plans in place could make a
difficult time easier for loved ones who may
already be dealing with grief and other
emotions.
Representatives and information were
provided from NALAG (National Association
for Loss and Grief), Western NSW Local
Health District’s Specialist Palliative Care
staff, the Voluntary Assisted Dying team, Carer
Gateway, Advance Care Planning, Macquarie
Homestay, Walsh Funerals, Allwright Bourke
Legal, end-of-life doulas and Compass Care 4
U.
Mrs O’Hara said one of the main things
people were interested in finding out were
details about voluntary assisted dying, with
attendees asking about access to the service,
including for people living in nursing homes.
There was also considerable interest in the
support available through Carer Gateway,
particularly for people caring for someone with
dementia or another illness.
Mrs O’Hara said many people did not realise
Carer Gateway was there to support carers
themselves, including through emotional
support and assistance accessing respite care.
Other presentations highlighted grief and loss
support, palliative care and the range of
services available to people and families
navigating end of life.
Mrs O’Hara said an important message from
the day was that support was available and
people did not have to navigate the end-of-life
journey alone.
She was pleased with the response and hoped
awareness would continue to grow.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is
start the conversation,” she said.
