DEAD AIR #179 / August 10, 2026 by The Departure

REMINDER: Weaving a Coffin/Shroud Carrier - a weekend immersion into shrouding Castlemaine. Join us in Castlemaine for a weekend immersion into the art of shrouding and weaving. Led by Zimmi Forest, d’Vine Creations and facilitated by Hayley West of The Departure. All materials and morning teas are provided; bring your own lunch, your questions, and your personal experiences. Sat 10 Oct, 9:30am–4pm & Sun 11 Oct, 10am-3.30pm. Venue tbc, Castlemaine. $380/ $730 if booking for 2 people. Book HERE

When I am dying by Gabrielle Elise Jimenez – The Hospice Heart

What to say when someone is dying, according to hospice workers – TIME

BOOK: Curious Coffins and Riveting Rituals, Death Practices Around the World - Booktopia

Why We Don't Feed Our Dead to Vultures – Taboo Education

A Words in Winter event - The Last Good Conversation: Death, Ritual and What Comes Next. E A Gleeson and Hannah Gould with Amy Pagett. Sun 30 Aug 11:30am - 12:30pm, Daylesford Town Hall. Book HERE

Today, Mon 10 Aug is the 40th day after the death of the much loved artist Petrus Spronk. The Convent Gallery in Daylesford invites you to visit their Chapel to light a candle for Petrus, open from 10am-4pm. In Eastern European traditions, the 40th day after death is a vital milestone when the soul's earthly journey concludes.

Adam Rutinya (Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Care Navigator for central Victoria) will be at the Dying To Ask event hosted by Amanda Collins tomorrow Tues 11 Aug 10.30am-12pm, morning tea provided. Call Heathcote Community House ph.5433 2820. Now moved to a bigger space!

Great Stupa Death Festival A day to come together as a community to reflect, connect and celebrate life. Sat 19 Sept, 11am-3pm, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Myers Flat, FREE.

The Final Course - a guided online workshop in end of life and death care planning, Thurs 27 August 7-9pm AEST– Nyx Funerals

TRACKS: Into The Ground – Acid King / Sparrow - Windhand

DEAD AIR #175 / July 13, 2026 by The Departure

‘We know how to mourn other humans – but what about ecological grief?’ – The Guardian

‘Why Your Business Will Collapse After You Die’ Taboo Education - YouTube

Taboo Education is crowdfunding for an upcoming book, ‘But It Would Never Happen To Me’. Make a donation through the Australian Cultural Fund website HERE

Reflections on the Death Down Under: Toward an Australian Death Studies symposium (Fri 10 July) in Naarm/Melbourne with Bec Lyons.

Dying to Know Day event in Rochester. Meet local organisations, ask questions, explore topics through short presentations and resources on offer. Rochester Racecourse Recreation Reserve, Mon 10 Aug, 9.30am-2.30pm. Please register by email hello@livingandleaving.com.au

Good Grief Lounge, Dying to Know Day: Jenny Blake: What is a Death Doula? & Sarah Byrne: How to Make a Will and appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney & Ceramicist Lisa McPherson: Will lead us in making a healing vessel out of clay. Entry: $10 donation at the door. Please register your attendance HERE Sat 8 Aug, 11am–2pm, Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker Street, Castlemaine.

Great Stupa Death Festival A day to come together as a community to reflect, connect and celebrate life. Sat 15 Aug, 11am-3pm, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Myers Flat, FREE.

This year for Dying to Know month I've been invited to speak at Woodend & Bendigo Library. Reimagining Death: A thought-provoking talk exploring meaningful alternatives to end-of-life rituals. How can we approach death with creativity, care, and a lighter footprint? Explore meaningful alternatives, from living wakes to natural burials and end-of-life rituals, in this thought-provoking talk. Discover how we, as a community, can reshape our relationship with death. Book HERE: Bendigo Library: Thu, 6 Aug, 5:30pm + Woodend Library: Fri, 7 Aug, 2pm.

TRACKS: Songs from the #1 EP launch by Erica Carrot Collision Hole Precious Rose / Rush To Relax / Which Way To Go

DEAD AIR #173 / June 29, 2026 by The Departure

Sydney MP pushes to bring human composting to Australia as burial costs rise – ABC News

What’s a living wake? The end‑of‑life ritual that lets you say goodbye on your own terms – The Conversation

Breaking news! The Northern Territory government is actively drafting Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation, with a bill slated for introduction and debate in mid-2026.

Pacemakers have had a serious upgrade - Lisa Herbert, The Bottom Drawer Book

AHFA presents: Building Community Capacity with Jenny Briscoe-Hough, 9 Jul 9, 7.00pm online, book HERE

Community & Care - Death & Grief: Practical, artful ways to show up for the end of life. 4 online sessions held on Sundays from 6-8 PM (Aug 2, Aug 23, Sep 13, Oct 4). COST: $240 early bird / $270.

Great Stupa Death Festival A day to come together as a community to reflect, connect and celebrate life. Sat 15 Aug, 11am-3pm, Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Myers Flat, FREE.

ELM Peer Support Group for Suicide Loss, next meeting: Mon 29 June, 6–7:30 pm, Castlemaine Safe Space, 74 Mostyn St. For more info, E: theelmpsg@gmail.com or call Maryanne (0409 023 235) or Rachel (0404 468 534).

Reimagining Death: A thought-provoking talk exploring meaningful alternatives to end-of-life rituals with Hayley West. This year for Dying to Know month I've been invited to speak at Woodend & Bendigo Library. How can we approach death with creativity, care, and a lighter footprint? Explore meaningful alternatives, from living wakes to natural burials and end-of-life rituals, in this thought-provoking talk. Discover how we, as a community, can reshape our relationship with death. BOOK HERE: Bendigo Library: Thu, 6 Aug, 5:30pm + Woodend Library: Fri, 7 Aug, 2pm.

TRACKS: Language is a Virus - Laurie Anderson / Computer Age - Neil Young / Onyx - Space Art