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 #167 / April 22, 2026 by The Departure

Nicole Kidman is training to be a ‘death doula’. What is a death doula? – The Conversation

Before Ruth died, we agreed on her ‘ghost’ sign. Experts say it’s a powerful tool for working through grief – The Guardian

I Investigated Australia's Most Controversial Death Law – Taboo Education, You Tube

Good Grief Lounge, Northern Arts Hotel Castlemaine, Sat 2 May, 11am-2pm. Emma Tranter from BARE funerals, Arts Administrator Selene Bateman talking shrouds, and a chance to create with clay with Asian Medicine Practitioner & ceramicist Lisa McPherson. $10 book HERE.

NDAN presents a panel discussion on restoration, conservation and natural burial. Wed 29 April, 6.30-8.30pm AEST, book HERE

TRACKS: I’m In Your Mind – King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard / Good Fortune – PJ Harvey

DEAD AIR #160 / February 16, 2026 by The Departure

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