Campaign - Have an Awkward Conversation

• What if you became too ill to make your own treatment decisions?
• Who would make those decisions on your behalf?
• If you were unable to communicate, how would your family, friends or healthcare team know what you wanted?

These questions were at the heart of the “This Weekend Have that Awkward Conversation” campaign, first launched in February 2024 and run again in May 2025 with support from the Tasmanian Government.

The campaign encouraged Tasmanians to start important conversations about Advance Care Planning and to complete and lodge an Advance Care Directive (ACD).

While conversations about death and dying can feel uncomfortable at first, they are essential to ensure that a person’s wishes are known and respected. An Advance Care Directive is a legal document that records an individual’s values, beliefs and treatment preferences, guiding decisions when they are unable to speak for themselves.

Campaign Impact

Pre- and post-campaign research in 2024 showed a significant increase in awareness of Advance Care Planning and Advance Care Directives, particularly among men and younger Tasmanians, two key target audiences.

The first campaign resulted in a 207% increase in Advance Care Directive lodgements with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).

Following the second campaign in 2025, Tasmania has now seen a 450% increase in Advance Care Directive lodgements overall, demonstrating clear and sustained behaviour change across the community.

The Have the Awkward Conversation campaign has become one of the most effective public education initiatives in Tasmania, helping to normalise conversations about end-of-life care and empowering Tasmanians to plan ahead.

Start the conversation today.