DEAD AIR #170 / May 18, 2026 by The Departure

Human Composting in Perth - Nine9NewsPerth

Natural burials begin at NSW conservation cemetery Walawaani Way – ABC News

Life after death. Researchers at a one-of-a-kind facility are on the hunt for answers to what happens to our bodies after we die – UTS Body Farm, NSW

Worst Ways to Die – Ask a Mortician

Dumb Ways to Die (2012) - An animation published by Australian train company, Metro Trains Melbourne.

Australian Hearse Nationals 2026 – Goldfield Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas, entries now open! Day One Saturday 1st August: The Grand Cruise. Gathering at 11:00am for cruise departure at 11:30am. Assemble at Beehive Carpark in Maldon, destination Hadfield's Garage, Castlemaine. Day Two Sunday 2nd August: The Hearse Street Parade & Hearse Show & Shine. Judging across all categories, awards presentation, and the crowning of this year's champions. 2026 Awards Categories: People's Choice / Best Hearse Pre-1980 / Best Hearse Post-1980 / Best Imported Hearse / Furthest Distance Travelled / Best Patina or Project / Best Display

TRACKS: Wedding Song No.3 – Papa M / The Universe is Indifferent – Thom Yorke

DEAD AIR #169 / May 13, 2026 by The Departure

The Political Language of Grief, CDAS blog post by Jane Ribbens McCarthy

Know Your Rights: VAD in Aged Care – GoGentle Australia

Celebrating Culture: Japanese Kotsuage Ceremony – Tobin Brothers

Morbid Anatomy Museum - Ghosts, Anomalous Experiences and Mysterious Encounters Open Mic, become a member HERE, 12 May 7-8pm GMT (Wed 13 May 5-6am AEST)

Bundanon Trust, Make Good Festival talk: ‘What Death Can Teach the Living’ Dr Hannah Gould, Chanelle Collier, Amy Firth & Zimmi Forest. Bundanon, NSW, Sat 30 May, 10am – 10.50am. Info HERE

Dhelkaya Health monthly walk at Maldon Historic Cemetery. Thurs 28 May, 10:30am, inside gates at Maldon Cemetery. No RSVP required, just turn up or call 5479 1000 for further info.

The annual Memorial Service of Reflections and Memories. Dhelkaya Health, Cornish Street, Castlemaine, Tues 19 May, arrive 6.30pm, 7pm start. The service will go for approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by light refreshments. Further info 5471 3542 or email pastoralcare@castlemainehealth.org.au

For National Palliative Care Week, Dhelkaya Health, in partnership with the Palliative Care Consortium, will host a free community panel discussion Getting to the heart of it – big questions, real answers - Adam Rutnya, Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigator for the Loddon Mallee region, Hayley West, a local death literacy advocate, ceremony creator and independent death worker, and Jane Furze, Team Leader of Dhelkaya Health’s Community Palliative Care Program. A local GP will also join the discussion. Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine Library foyer, Thurs 14 May, 11am -12noon. FREE no bookings required, Community Palliative Care services 5471 3495 or visit the Dhelkaya Health website.

TRACKS: Jealous Guy - Donny Hathaway / Your Power - Billie Eilish

DEAD AIR #168 / May 4, 2026 by The Departure

‘Wrap our arms around’: Is this the new language of Australian grief? – ABC Religion and Ethics

‘Give me your love, so I can take it with me’: James Valentine’s living funeral – The Age

Strange hours - wonder, dread, and the shape of tiny wings by Chloe Hope, Death & Birds Substack

BOOK: Is This Normal? A book about grief by Joanna Lincolne.

SURVEY: Researchers from La Trobe University and UNSW are currently conducting a national study about funerals and bereavement. Take part HERE

The Australian Death Studies Society interdisciplinary symposium, ‘Death Down Under: Toward an Australian Death Studies’ University of Melbourne on July 10, 2026. Further info ADSS website. Abstracts invited, submitted using this form by 10 May 2026, with acceptance to be announced mid-May. Presenters will be required to be members of the Australian Death Studies Society. Info HERE

Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas, Fri 31 July - Sun 2 Aug. Dark Market applications close 30 May. Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, Sat 1 Aug, 3mx3m stall, $20. Email: gabrielle@thompsonsfunerals.com.au

Death Doula Mini Conference, Sat 14 – Sun 15 Nov 2026. Radius Art, Hepburn Springs 3461 Vic, Cost: $225 ($50 deposit holds your place). Sat Sat:10am-6pm – presentations, lunch. Sun: 10am-2pm - mini workshops, morning tea. Email: ask.deniselove@gmail.com

TRACKS: I Love You Lena – Elias Rahbani / Pile ou Face – Les Loups Noirs / Laughing on the Outside – Bernadette Carroll / Fahrradsattel - Pisse