DEAD AIR #161

A Landscape Artist in Winter. In rural Scotland, Andy Goldsworthy, the sculptor famed for his use of natural materials, contemplates his own decay. - The New Yorker

Funeral Songs by Daniel Mudie Cunningham. Plans are underway for an expanded presentation of Funeral Songs on its 20th anniversary in 2027. Submit your song HERE.

Online Talk: Beyond the Vampire: Transylvania as Matriarchal Origin with Medical Art Psychotherapist & Artist Isabelle Rizo– Tues 24 Feb, 10am AEDT (7pm ET (NYC time) Mon 23 Feb). Info HERE.

NDAN Panel Event - The growing options of water cremation in Australia, with Jeff Boyle (QLD) and Luke Cripps (Tas). Online, Wed 25 Feb 2026, 6.30-8.30pm AEDT. Info HERE.

We invite writers, storytellers and community nationwide to participate in the 2026 Grieve Project. Grieve Issue 13 submissions close Sunday 26 April, 8pm AEST, info HERE.

Castlemaine State Festival presents: Life’s Too Short – our mums are dead with Teamo Henderson & Deidre Gibb, Thompsons Family Funerals. Fri 27 March 8pm, Sat 28 March 2pm, $30/$25. Book HERE.

Internationally renowned witch, bestselling author, and former 90s rockstar Fiona Horne invites you to a special event celebrating her new book Coven – Where Witches Gather and its matching oracle deck. Fri 27 Mar, 5:30-6:30 pm, Bendigo Library. Book HERE.

Dark Market Stall applications now open for the Goldfields Gothic Festival of Dark Ideas in Maldon. Sat 1 Aug, $20 per stall. The more macabre and odd the better! gabrielle@thompsonsfunerals.com.au

Showing Up For Each Other: Community Death Care Workshop - funded by the Wicking Trust. Supported by the Australian Home Funeral Alliance, in conjunction with Social Health Australia and the Death Literacy Institute. Led by myself, Jenny Blake & Nici Wright. Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April, Castlemaine. EOIs have closed, but you can join the waiting list HERE

TRACKS: Move Like Ghosts – Affordable Repayments / A Dream of Zeus – Savvas / Malady of a secret Design - Kollektiv Raumordnung

DEAD AIR #160

Loved ones left behind after voluntary assisted dying say more support is needed – ABC News

Heat and fires expose ancestral remains in Victoria's north-west – ABC News

The Overturned, a liturgy for what cannot be saved. From Death & Birds, Chloe Hope

Sadly, Norma Hancock has died. Norma bought the Guildford General Store when she was 89, for her community – “She understood that a small country store is never just a shop – it is a meeting place, a heartbeat, a soul.” All are welcome to attend Norma’s funeral service, Wed 18 Feb, 2.30pm, Mt Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine. Following the service, a gathering at the Guildford General Store Tavern to share stories, food, drinks, and memories.

The Monthly Gathering, a grief space for those permanently childless, not-by-choice. Next gathering Thurs 26 Feb, 7-9pm, Chewton. Facebook link HERE for more info.

BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness an exhibition developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens and Dr. Angelina Whalley. Showcases real human bodies preserved through the plastination process. Opening March 2026, the District Docklands, all ages, from $19 for children, from $33 for adults. Join waiting list for tickets HERE.

The Place for Lost Feelings, created by artist Clare James. A botanical installation for participants to visit and acknowledge feelings of grief or loss, but equally feelings of gratitude or love. Sat 21 - Sun 22 March 2026. Healesville Living and Learning Centre, FREE, limited places book HERE.

Checking in with grief. Small, gentle messages can remind people they’re cared for without adding pressure - @shrinkchicks

TRACKS: Black and White – Bleak Squad / Trick Pony – Civic / 3am - Chimers

DEAD AIR #159

How to become a tree – Many people today want to commit their remains to rejuvenating the planet. But are these green deaths just greenwashing? - AEON

What are the standards for natural burial in Australia? – NDAN website.

Showing Up For Each Other: Community Death Care Workshop - funded by the Wicking Trust. Supported by the Australian Home Funeral Alliance, in conjunction with Social Health Australia and the Death Literacy Institute. Led by myself, Jenny Blake & Nici Wright. Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April, Castlemaine. NOW FULL! There are several people on the waitlist, so if you can’t make it, please let us know.

Flow States – a therapeutically guided walk along Campbell's Creek with Bonnie Cassidy & Madeleine McClelland. Sun, 22 Feb, 9am - 11am AEDT. $75, free for fire-affected community members. Book HERE

Australian Hearse Nationals Australia’s only Hearse Festival, 1–2 August 2026, as part of the Goldfields Gothic Festival, Maldon. Registrations open soon.

Virtual Memorialisation experience set to launch mid-2026 at Colac Cemetery - More info HERE

TRACKS: T.H.E E.N.D. – Vague Rituals / Citadel – Ronny Quasar / Absolutely Do Not Comply in Advance – Repulsa