What would happen if your family had to make important decisions on your behalf but didn’t know your wishes?
That is the question being asked this Dying to Know Day, a national initiative encouraging Australians to have open and meaningful conversations about death, dying, grief, and end-of-life planning.
Dying to Know Day has been a national day of action held annually on 8 August since 2013, helping communities build confidence to discuss topics that many people find difficult but are important for everyone.
Northern Queensland communities are being encouraged to take part by having a conversation with loved ones, attending local community events, and learning more about advance care planning, palliative care, wills, powers of attorney, and the practical steps that help ensure personal wishes are respected.
The campaign theme this year - Nobody Knows ‘The Secret I am Glad I shared’ is a call to people to share end of life wishes before it is too late.
Conversations about end-of-life care are ultimately conversations about living well and ensuring people have choice, dignity, and control. We spend a lot of time planning for major life events, yet many may never discuss what matters most at the end of life.
Dying to Know Day is an opportunity to break down barriers, reduce fear, and encourage people to have these important conversations early.
When families understand a person’s values and wishes, they are better equipped to make decisions that honour those preferences. These conversations can bring clarity, reduce stress, and create peace of mind for everyone involved.
Throughout August, organisations across northern Queensland will host community events, educational sessions, Death Cafés, information stalls, and workshops designed to create safe and welcoming spaces for people to explore end-of-life topics and ask questions.
The initiative aligns closely with efforts to improve palliative care awareness and advance care planning within northern Queensland, supporting greater community understanding of how individuals can access care and make informed choices about their future.
Key actions you can take include:
- Start a conversation with family or friends about what matters most at the end of life.
- Share your final song and start a conversation. Add your song to Dying to Know: Australia’s Final Playlist Dying To Know 2026 – Proveda.
- Consider documenting healthcare preferences through an Advance Care Plan or Advance Health Directive.
- Review wills, powers of attorney, and other important legal documents.
- Learn more about palliative care and available support services.
- Participate in a local Dying to Know Day event or community discussion, or consider hosting your own event – event toolkits can be found at D2K 2026 Toolkit.
As Dying to Know Day reminds us, talking about death is not about giving up on life – it is about making the most of it, ensuring our voices are heard, and helping those we love to understand what matters most.
