AI

DEAD AIR #185 /  by The Departure

DEAD AIR #185
Hayley West, 94.9MainFM

‘I created my mom and talk to her’: AI ghosts and deathslop are changing the way we mourn – The Guardian

Back from the dead: could AI end grief? On the Ground YouTube

‘We thought death could do with a bit of dancing’: welcome to Sondering, the arts festival with its own funeral march – The Guardian

Love & Loss - a 5Rhythms® exploration of the loving, broken heart with Meredith Davies & David Juriansz. Through 5Rhythms dance, reflective practice and ritual you will be guided through the terrain of love and loss. A 2-day workshop to dance with our grief, our gratitude and be held in community in grace. Dates: Sat 31 Oct & Sun 1 Nov, 10-5pm. Early Bird - $200 Before Sep 30 or until sold out. e: 5Rhythms@movingessence.com. St.Marys Hall, Castlemaine.

ONLINE: AHFA and Queer as Death Collective (Naarm) Presents - ‘A Joyous Death’ with Alex Antunes. Sharing a documentary 'HARD/SOFT/STICKY WET: A Joyous Death' (2025) documenting the Corpse Couture event. Mon 19 Oct, 7-8.30pm AEDT Book HERE

PODCAST: ‘For The Love of Brick’ Ep14. For the Love of Alby A Father's Day special episode dedicated to their late son Alby, who unexpectedly died in 2021. Greg shares how LEGO played a role in their relationship and in the weeks after Alby's death.

The Death Worker Summit Turn Your Calling into a Sustainable Practice. Join 20 death workers for honest conversations and practical steps to help you get hired, build meaningful relationships, and build the business around your end-of-life work. A virtual gathering for death doulas, end-of-life educators and planners, grief workers, celebrants, funeral professionals, home funeral guides, holistic practitioners, and others whose work supports people through death, dying, grief, and remembrance. ONLINE: 24-27 Sept. Book HERE.

A weekend immersion into shrouding and weaving hosted by master weaver of 30+ years Zimmi Forest from NSW and facilitated by local, independent death worker Hayley West of The Departure. Together, we will weave a shroud carrier and/or a coffin out of the invasive Cats Claw vine.  An opportunity to learn and share curiosities and questions around the practice of shrouding and open up conversations anything death, dying and grieving. All materials and morning teas are provided. Book via Humantix, search for 'Coffin Weaving Castlemaine' or contact Hayley directly at hello@thedeparture.com.au  Sat 10 Oct, 9:30am – 4pm & Sun 11 Oct, 10am-3.30pm. Venue: The Old Gaol, Castlemaine. Book HERE

TRACKS: Mizmar - Aswan / Tango Whiskeyman - CAN

DEAD AIR #150 /  by The Departure

DEAD AIR #150
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

‘It was the last time Mum smiled at me’: the choirs singing to the dying in three-part harmony – The Guardian

Threshold Choir – Their Vision is a world where all at life’s thresholds may be honoured with compassion shared through song. A Castlemaine Threshold Choir is in the process of setting up, so WTS!

Edge of Life review – can understanding death help us understand how to live? – The Guardian

Australian artist Lynette Wallworth travels to the Amazon to explore psychedelics and death – ABC NEWS

Lifting The Lid International Festival of Death & Dying recap.

Ask Robin – an AI grief support companion, founded by Dr. Rhea Perkins

‘What do you want to be buried with?’ Dr. Jennifer Riley, TEDxAberdeen

‘Piece of Mind’ by Emma Wood, directed by Stephen Mitchell, 14-30 November 2025, Fri/Sat 7.30pm, Sun 2pm. Castlemaine Theatre Company, Tickets HERE.

Death Café Maldon End of Year Gathering at Oshi’s Tree - Join us at the sacred sanctuary of Oshi’s Tree in Newstead, created in memory of Rueben’s son, Oshi - a place of love, remembrance, and gentle healing. Bring a chair, picnic rug, food & drinks. Plate of food to share. Sunday 23 Nov, 11am, Newstead. Event details HERE

Sydney Festival of Death and Dying – details HERE 22-23 November, Rushcutters Bay.