Whistle Freely, Life & Death Matters

06/06/2026

Yes. Laughing at death cafe a regular occurrence in Dungog.

The Death Cafe concept began in Switzerland in the 2000s to help people "make the most of our finite lives". Now, the concept has spread globally.

29/05/2026

Last Drinks is coming to Dungog!

We know how to prepare for what matters.

We plan for floods. We plan for fires. We stock up, check in on neighbours, make evacuation plans, and talk openly about what we’d do in an emergency. So why don’t we prepare for the biggest emotional emergency of our lives & the lives of the people we love?

Come join us for a fun filled night of planning & sharing.
Bring your thoughts, biggest wishes & ideas

Our community - where death, freely talked about gives rise to a more lived life! In a family home, welcoming everyone. Come. Question. Learn. Share.

26/05/2026

We've had mothers day between our last meeting & tomorrow.
maybe you've got something to share?

Dungog Death Care
TOMORROW 27th May
3pm, Dungog Library Meeting Room.
EVERYONE WELCOME

"When I die
I'll live on in your smile
And for years after
I'll be right there in your laughter"
Claire Anne Taylor. My mother. The mountain.

Sending love to all our mums who aren't here for us to love on you this weekend.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7plPz2vXTayFHWTPWvIn0i?si=OFXJer5GRz2x9rKfpEr9rA

08/05/2026

"When I die
I'll live on in your smile
And for years after
I'll be right there in your laughter"
Claire Anne Taylor. My mother. The mountain.

Sending love to all our mums who aren't here for us to love on you this weekend.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7plPz2vXTayFHWTPWvIn0i?si=OFXJer5GRz2x9rKfpEr9rA

16/04/2026

22nd April, 3pm, Dungog Library - Death Cafe!
It's that time again people!
4th Wednesday of the month, don't get the long month confuse you!

25/03/2026

Everyone has questions about Voluntary Assisted Dying.... Wonder if this might help?

VAD is now available in all six Australian states — but many people still feel unsure about how the process works, and what’s actually involved.
Join Go Gentle Australia’s CEO Dr Linda Swan, and our expert panelists for a free one-hour webinar designed to demystify VAD assessment.
The panel will walk you through the key steps, explain the safeguards, and answer common questions so you can feel informed and empowered.
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 21 April
⏰ Time: 12pm AEST
💻 Cost: Free
🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/IGsC50YxpOi

24/03/2026

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to our thoughts Liam. We appreciate it and look forward to working towards greener options for everyone in our community

✔️ Unanimous Support at March Council Meeting

At the March Council meeting, I put forward a motion to review and modernise Dungog Shire’s Cemetery Policy, and it was passed unanimously.

Our current policy is significantly outdated and doesn’t fully align with current NSW legislation or modern community expectations. This is about bringing it up to date and making sure we’re not falling behind.

In simple terms, it’s about updating how Council approaches end-of-life options so it better reflects what people actually want today.

Right now, there’s a growing interest in things like:
• Natural or “green” burials 🌱
• Clearer options for private property burials
• More modern, sustainable approaches to how we’re laid to rest

What I’m aiming to do is make sure our policies catch up, giving residents more choice, clearer pathways, and options that align with both personal values and land use considerations.

A big part of this has come from the work of the Dungog Death Café. I’ve met with the group and their community engagement has been outstanding, creating space for conversations that don’t usually happen, but really matter.

Good to see this one get full support around the table.

20/03/2026

Removing the sense of emergency out of a time when you want to be present.... Paperwork people! Always a good place to start :)

20/03/2026

It's that time of the month again! EVERYONE WELCOME.
Free Tea & Coffee as always (sometimes cake!)

We'll be working on our plans to install a ...
Never heard of them.. most people havent!
https://palliativecarensw.org.au/the-wind-phone-a-place-where-grief-finds-a-voice/

Death Cafe
25th March, 3-4.30pm
Dungog Library

22/08/2025

Interested in a 1/2 day of meditation of death & impermanence?
Sun 24 August, 9.30am – 12.30pm

https://meditateinnewcastle.org/event/death-2025/

"Meditation on death is the doorway to pure and powerful spiritual practice. It shatters our spiritual complacency; it liberates us from the worries and concerns of this life and it inspires us to make the most of every moment of our life in a meaningful way. For those who possess death awareness, it is their wise spiritual guide. On this half day course, Resident Teacher, Kadam Mick Marcon will explain how to meditate on death and how to use death awareness to solve our daily problems and give energy to our spiritual life."