What Matters Most to You?
For thirty years, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) has sparked discussions, increased awareness, and advocated for improved understanding of, and access to palliative care. In 2025, National Palliative Care Week is asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s your plan?”
“It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most, and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life,” says Kirsty Blades, CEO, Palliative Care NSW.
“When someone becomes seriously ill and their life is expected to be shorter, those conversations about the end of your life are difficult, that’s natural and human, but they are essential conversations,” Ms Blades says.
“That reluctance, and lack of awareness and engagement contributes to a widespread misunderstanding of what palliative care is and what it can offer.
“Palliative Care Week is about changing that, it provides an opportunity to start those conversations, break down taboos, dispel myths, and empower the life and choices that need to be considered with serious illness and ageing. Palliative Care has a real focus on the living that’s still left to do and the essential support for you and your loved ones.”
Some questions you can consider during this week include:
- What will matter most to you at the end of life? Think about the people around you, what you enjoy doing, your culture and beliefs, your health and care preferences. What’s your plan?
- Do your loved ones know what matters most to you at the end of life? Don’t leave them guessing, support them to support you. What’s your plan?
Start a conversation today with your loved ones. Palliative Care NSW (PCNSW) is here to help. If you are part of a community group, we can come and deliver a Community Conversation in your local area. You can join our online PalliLEARN sessions, with a range of topics from ‘What is Palliative Care?’ to ‘Talking to children about dying and grief’. You can find a local palliative care service or speak to our Palliative Care Guidance Manager.
To find out more including any events in your area during National Palliative Care Week click here, visit www.palliativecarensw.org.au/about/here-to-help or call 02 8076 5604.