society & culture

DEAD AIR #153 /  by The Departure

DEAD AIR #153
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

PSA a few tears in this episode xxx

Support and wellbeing guidance following the Bondi Beach incident on 14 December 2025. Understand common reactions and find ways to cope and get help. You don't have to work through this alone. It doesn’t matter how you were impacted by the Bondi Beach shooting, talking to someone about how you’re feeling can really help. If you want a safe and friendly space to talk it through, Lifeline is here 24/7 via 13 11 14, text, and chat. Lifeline resources can be found HERE.

'He's been buried twice': Why John had to open his brother's grave after 49 years – SBS News

3rd Death Literacies Symposium will take place in Breda (The Netherlands) on 9 & 10 March 2026. The programme includes keynotes on innovative approaches of death literacy and end-of-life care, special sessions for early career researchers, space to explore research and practical developments together. Register your interest HERE.

Last Farewells - An emotional end of life planning platform that helps you leave no words left unspoken through last messages and personalised memorial page.

Herekind - working on making sadmin easier, transforming the way in which families are supported through loss and settling family estates. Please contribute to this short 10 minute survey about sorting out an estate in Australia after a death. Submit HERE

Helping out Castlemaine Safe Space over Christmas:

  • Donate non-perishable items to our Community Pantry (drop in during opening hours or put items directly into the mini pantry on our veranda.)

  • Drop bottles and cans to the Chewton Service Station and nominate Castlemaine Safe Space to receive the funds.

  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram – and share our posts. Tell your friends and family about us. Spreading the word is a great way to help!

  • Volunteer as a Peer Volunteer or find out more about joining our Working Group

  • Donate money via the website HERE

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 open now, submit HERE

TRACKS: On Your Corner – Skyscraper Stan / Silent Night – CAN / Shut Up – Alx GoSlow / Do It Do It (Simlish version) – Amyl and the Sniffers

DEAD AIR #152 /  by The Departure

DEAD AIR #152
Hayley West, 94.9 MainFM

The conversation no one wants to have with their parents (and it’s not about sex) – SMH

In Tokyo, a new space for writing letters to the departed as a quiet ritual of grief – TrendWatching

Australia’s Coffin Confessor Bill Edgar signs major television deal in the U.S securing the rights for the inspiration/adaptation of The Coffin Confessor’s life story.

Tender Funerals is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Registered Training Organisation RiteSkill Education & Training.

ALSO: IFISS short courses & Funeral Fix, Funeral Director training.

Being a mortician is hard on your body – Are You Dying to Know? YouTube

Ashworks creates bespoke memorial art using a unique process that transforms ashes into art. You can meet Gav Barbey (artist) and Dana Ronan (storyteller) at the Ashworks Launch, Thu 4 Dec, 5:30-8pm, 108 Urquhart St, Ballarat Central VIC. RSVP HERE

NDAN & AHFA jointly presents End of Life: Bodies in Dress and Death with Dr Pia Interlandi. Online, Sat 6 Dec, 7- 9PM AEDT. Book HERE

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, Venue TBC. EOIs open now, submit HERE

TRACKS: Suspirium – Thom Yorke / Love Wheel – Daniel Johnston

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.