In 2025, with the support of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) will run from Sunday, 11 May until Saturday, 17 May.
For thirty years, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) has sparked discussions, increased awareness, and advocated for improved access to and acceptance of palliative care. With the theme “What’s your plan?” it encourages Australians and their families to engage in conversations about what is most important at the end of life and to create a plan that honours and supports their choices in the final years, months, and days of life.
The theme ‘What’s your plan?” challenges and inspires different groups:
For individuals and families – it challenges them to think about their own future and quality of life, make informed choices, and decide how they want to be cared for.
For the health and care sectors – it prompts reflection on capacity, innovation, and readiness to meet growing demand in a community that feels empowered by end of life planning.
For government – it calls for accountability, opening an opportunity to discuss policy, investment, and strategy, and addressing the future palliative care needs of our community.
Thank you for your interest and support – let’s get going! Order your merchandise, download resources, attend an event, or buy an orange heart pin and start a conversation.
- Date: Friday 16th May 2025
- Time: 9am – 4pm
- Venue: Rydges Parramatta (116-118 James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142)
- FREE for PCNSW members or $75 (+ GST + Booking fees) for Non PCNSW members
Not a PCNSW member yet? Become a member by clicking here and attend the event for free, plus your membership will be valid until 30th June 2026.
Important note: This education day is suitable for healthcare professionals wishing to expand their palliative care knowledge and skills. It is not suitable for community members.
Please note: Once you have joined us as a PCNSW member you will need to come back to this page to register for the event for free.
National Palliative Care Week Events for the Community:
PCNSW HNC Community Conversation – Lismore
Let’s talk about end-of-life planning, with the support of community services that assist with aging, loss, dying, and grief.
Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with beating Hearts of Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, and Northern NSW Local Health District. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools in a safe environment to make informed decisions and access the care you need to:
- Navigate end-of-life matters
- Understand what palliative care is and how to access
- Explore the local support services available to you and your loved ones
- Learn how to start your advance care plan
All participants will receive a free resource kit and the confidence to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.
Date: Monday 12th of May 2025
Time: 11:45am – 1:15pm
Where: Lismore Heights Sports Club. 181A High St, Lismore Heights NSW, 2480
Cost: FREE! Free lunch provided
Who: Everyone is welcome! Suitable for anyone over the age of 18, active retirees, if you have a serious illness or are currently caring for someone with a serious illness; if you are starting to realise your parents are getting older and you need to start thinking about what supports are available for them or if you just want to be better informed to support your community.
Facilitator: Kirsty Blades, CEO of Palliative Care NSW, with support from the local palliative care team.
To register, click here or call (02) 8076 5604. More information please click here.
Download flyer here.
PCNSW HNC Community Conversation - Wauchope
Let’s talk about end-of-life planning, with the support of community services that assist with aging, loss, dying, and grief.
Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, and Mid North Coast NSW Local Health District. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools in a safe environment to make informed decisions and access the care you need to:
- Navigate end-of-life matters
- Understand what palliative care is and how to access
- Explore the local support services available to you and your loved ones
- Learn how to start your advance care plan
All participants will receive a free resource kit and the confidence to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.
Date: Monday 12th of May 2025
Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Where: Wauchope CWA Hall (behind the clock tower). 49 High Street Wauchope, 2446.
Cost: FREE! Complimentary afternoon tea provided.
Who: Everyone is welcome! Suitable for anyone over the age of 18, active retirees, if you have a serious illness or are currently caring for someone with a serious illness; if you are starting to realise your parents are getting older and you need to start thinking about what supports are available for them or if you just want to be better informed to support your community.
Facilitator: Anthony Bui, Community Engagement Coordinator Palliative Care NSW, with support from the local palliative care team.
To register, click here or call (02) 8076 5604
More information please click here.
PCNSW Murrumbidgee LHD Community Conversation - Wagga Wagga
Let’s talk about end-of-life planning, with the support of community services that assist with aging, loss, dying, and grief.
Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools in a safe environment to make informed decisions and access the care you need to:
- Navigate end-of-life matters
- Understand what palliative care is and how to access
- Explore the local support services available to you and your loved ones
- Learn how to start your advance care plan
All participants will receive a free resource kit and the confidence to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.
Date: Monday 12th of May 2025
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Where: Wagga Wagga RSL Club Mirage Room. Kincaid St & Dobbs St, 30 Dobbs St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Cost: FREE! Complimentary morning tea provided
Who: Everyone is welcome! Suitable for anyone over the age of 18, active retirees, if you have a serious illness or are currently caring for someone with a serious illness; if you are starting to realise your parents are getting older and you need to start thinking about what supports are available for them or if you just want to be better informed to support your community.
Facilitator: Megan Asbury, Deputy CEO of Palliative Care NSW, with support from the local palliative care team.
To register, click here or call (02) 8076 5604.
More information please click here.
Download flyer here.
HNECC PHN Palliative Care Community Awareness Event on the Central Coast - Gosford
During National Palliative Care Week, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is proud to host a FREE community awareness and education event for the Central Coast community.
Interested members of the public are welcome to join for a morning of short presentations from a range of palliative care professionals as well as information trade stalls. PCNSW will be presenting at this event.
The event is suitable for people with a life-limiting condition, carers, family, friends, and any community members who would like to learn more about palliative and end-of-life care and the care options available in our region.
Speakers and stall holders will include palliative care and other professionals from a number of organisations including Central Coast Local Health District, Carers NSW, Palliative Care NSW, Advance Care Planning Australia, Death Doula Service, Services Australia, Cancer Council, Beam Mental Health Services, the Primary Health Network and more.
- Tuesday, May 13th, 9:00am to 12:00pm
- Gosford RSL Club, 26 Central Coast Highway, WEST GOSFORD
For more information and to register, please click here.
PCNSW HNC Community Conversation – Mullumbimby
Let’s talk about end-of-life planning, with the support of community services that assist with aging, loss, dying, and grief.
Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, and Northern NSW Local Health District. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools in a safe environment to make informed decisions and access the care you need to:
- Navigate end-of-life matters
- Understand what palliative care is and how to access
- Explore the local support services available to you and your loved ones
- Learn how to start your advance care plan
All participants will receive a free resource kit and the confidence to navigate life’s most difficult transitions.
Date: Tuesday 13th of May 2025
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Where: Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall. 55 Daley St, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
Cost: FREE! Complimentary morning tea provided by Baker + Daughter.
Who: Everyone is welcome! Suitable for anyone over the age of 18, active retirees, if you have a serious illness or are currently caring for someone with a serious illness; if you are starting to realise your parents are getting older and you need to start thinking about what supports are available for them or if you just want to be better informed to support your community.
Facilitator: Kirsty Blades, CEO of Palliative Care NSW, with support from the local palliative care team.
To register, click here or call (02) 8076 5604.
More information please click here.
Download flyer here.
LGBTQ+ Palliative Care Online Webinar
What can I expect from palliative care?
When can I get palliative care?
How do I access palliative care?
What if I’m a carer for someone in palliative care?
Lesbian, gay, bi+, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) people, and People Living with HIV (PLHIV), carers and friends are invited to an online webinar discussing palliative and end of life care.
Join us to demystify palliative care and learn what to expect, how to plan for the end, and how to support yourself and loved ones.
Our guest speakers will be Julie Mecham, Palliative Care Project Officer, Murrumbidgee PHN and Brendan Myhill, End of Life Care Coordinator, St Vincent’s Hospital.
This webinar is open to people who are 18 years and over. All genders, sexualities, and cultural backgrounds welcome.
Date: Tuesday 13 May
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Register here: LGBTQ+ Palliative Care Online Webinar for National Palliative Care Week 2025 – LOVE Project
Download flyer here.
If you have any questions, contact Zoe Hinton
E: zhinton@acon.org.au ph: 02 9206 2126
Funded by the NSW Ministry of Health, supported by Palliative Care New South Wales.
HNECC PHN Palliative Care Community Awareness Event – Tamworth
During National Palliative Care Week, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is proud to host a FREE community awareness and education event for the Tamworth community.
Interested members of the public are welcome to join for a morning of short presentations from a range of palliative care professionals as well as information trade stalls. This event is suitable for people with a life-limiting condition, carers, family, friends, and any community members who would like to learn more about palliative and end-of-life care and the care options available in our region.
Speakers and stall holders will include palliative care and other professionals from a number of organisations including Hunter New England Local Health District, Carers NSW, Advance Care Planning Australia, Death Doula Service, Cancer Council, Services Australia, Healthwise Mental Health Services, the Primary Health Network and more.
- Thursday, May 15th, 9:00am to 12:00pm
- The Event Centre @ The Mercure Tamworth, Scully Park, Kent Street TAMWORTH
For more information and to register, please click here.
Great Lakes Palliative Care Support - Tuncurry and Forster
Remembrance Service followed by morning tea. The Green Cathedral Choir will be taking part
Date and time: Tuesday 13th May at 10am
Venue: Community of Christ Church, Manning St Tuncurry
Cost: Free
Download flyer here
Palliative Care Information Session. Guest Speakers from Community Palliative Care team, Great Lakes Palliative Care Support, Dying with Dignity. Have your questions answered. Morning tea will be provided.
Date and time: Thursday 15th May from 10.30am to 12 noon
Venue: Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club
Cost: Free
Download flyer here
GLPCS Annual Trivia Night: Theme Shades of Blue, fun and games. All proceeds will be used for the care and support of Palliative care patients, their Carers and Families in the local area of Forster.
Date and time: Friday 16th May at 7pm
Venue: Bridge Club, Lakes St Forster.
Cost: $10
Tables of 8, bookings essential, ring Helen on 0401 649 608
Download flyer here
South Eastern Sydney LHD - In person at Gymea and Online
ONLINE event: DEMYSTIFYING PALLIATIVE CARE- CESPHN and SESLHD Webinar
Date: 14th May 2025
Time: 10-11am
Register here.
Download flyer here.
IN PERSON event: Compassionate Community Conversations- Sutherland Shire
Date: 20/5/2025 & 22/5/2025
Time: 10am-12pm & 630-8.30pm
Location: Gymea Tradies. 57 Manchester Rd Gymea
Register here.
Download flyer here.
Mercy Health Albury
Mercy Health Albury will host a community event that will include Lions Club sausage sizzle, and coffee van, and raffle to promote palliative care and local palliative care services. Mercy Health Albury staff and volunteers will be present to answer questions.
Date and time: Sat 10 May from 10am to 2pm
Venue: QE2 square, Dean St Albury
Care 4 U Services - Gunnedah
Community event: Information session.
Date: Friday 16th May 2025
Time: 11am-2pm
Venue: CWA Hall 112 Barber Street Gunnedah
Contact: Amanda 0427 431 884
E-mail: amanda@care4uservices.com.au
Light refreshments available.
Belong Blue Mountains - Lithgow, Katoomba and Springwood
Belong Blue Mountains has a team of dedicated volunteers who offer social support for people living with life-limiting illness, as well as their loved ones.
As part of National Palliative Care Week your are invited to attend any of their events detailed below, to meet their Palliative Support team, find out what they do, and have a conversation that really matters.
Date and time: Tuesday 13 May from 11am to 2pm
Venue: Club Lithgow
Date and time: Wednesday 14 May from11:30am to 2pm
Venue: RSL Katoomba
Date and time: Thursday 15 May from 11am 2pm
Venue: Springwood Sports Club
More information:
Email: info@belongbm.org.au
Ph: 4782 1117
Website: belongbm.org.au
Download flyer here.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District - North St Marys, Windsor, Kingswood and Penrith
Community Information stall by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) Palliative Care Team:
Date and Time: Thursday 15 May from 9:30am to 11:30am
Venue: North St Marys Village café at Wattle Park.
Community Information stall by the Hawkesbury Hospital Palliative Care team:
Date and Time: From Monday 12 to Friday 16 May from 10am to 2pm. Finishing with a community BBQ on Friday 16 May.
Venue: Hawkesbury Hospital grounds
Community Information stall by the Nepean team:
Date and Time: Thursday 15 May from 10am to 2pm
Venue: The Nepean Hospital
and
Date and Time: Monday 12 May from 10am to 2pm
Venue: Penrith library
Orange heart pins
The orange heart is the national symbol for Palliative Care. By wearing an orange heart pin, you are showing your support of palliative care and helping start a conversation.
The pins have a retail value of $5 per pin, which is an agreed value across all palliative care peak bodies who have the rights to sell these pins. A % of this is retained by the palliative care peak bodies to assist fund ongoing advocacy, promotion and awareness of palliative care. You could also choose to sell these pins to recover your costs, but they must be sold at the agreed $5 per pin price point. Your support through these pins is greatly appreciated.
A minimum quantity of 10 ($50) is required for an order to be placed. There is no maximum order. An invoice will then be generated and your order will be dispatched.
Orange heart
t-shirts
We have partnered with Palliative Care Australia for the launch of an online shop with orange heart t-shirts available to order. Choose from 4 different styles, dark blue and white t-shirts available.
Volunteer
your time
Reach out to local palliative care volunteering services and enquire about volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s providing companionship to patients and their families, assisting with administrative tasks, or organising fundraising events, your involvement can make a significant impact.
Find out more on our Volunteer Hub
Advocate for
policy changes
Get involved in advocacy efforts to improve access to palliative care services in your region. Write letters or contact your local representatives, urging them to support policies that ensure equitable access to palliative care for everyone in NSW.
Click HERE to find out your local Member of Parliament.
During National Palliative Care Week, let’s come together and show our unwavering support for palliative care nurses, doctors, allied health workers, carers and volunteers.
Consider Palliative Care as a career path. We talk to nurses from all over NSW in this short video to find out what a career in Palliative Care looks like.