National Palliative Care Week
National Palliative Care Week is coming up!
National Palliative Care Week will be held from 10 to 16 May 2026. This year’s theme, Getting to the heart of it: Big questions. Real answers, invites all of us to take a closer look at what matters most when it comes to care, connection and quality of life.
At a national level, the message is clear. Palliative care is about living as well as possible, for as long as possible. It is not only for the final days of life. It can support people and their families at any stage of a life-limiting illness, helping to ease discomfort, strengthen connection and ensure care reflects what matters most to each person. Open and honest conversations play an important role in making this possible.
As we approach the week, it is a good time to think about how you or your organisation might recognise it. For communities, it is an opportunity to start conversations earlier. For carers and families, it highlights the importance of support, information and care that feels personal and respectful. For those working across the sector, it reinforces the need for access, equity and ensuring no one is left behind.
Across Tasmania, a range of events and activities will take place throughout the week, creating opportunities to learn, connect and reflect together.
To explore national resources and find out what’s happening near you, please follow the link below
Download Resources
Click HereWhat’s on in Tasmania
During National Palliative Care Week, Palliative Care Tasmania will be involved in a range of events and activities across the state, alongside our partners and the broader sector. More information, including dates, times and how to get involved, can be found below.
“Getting to the Heart of It” Our Key Event
As part of National Palliative Care Week, Palliative Care Tasmania invites you to a welcoming, drop-in style community event on 12 May, from 11.00am to 2.30pm in Hobart at the St. Lukes Health and Wellness Hub. You are welcome to join us for a short visit or stay for the full program. The day is designed to be relaxed, inclusive and accessible, whether you are curious to learn more or already connected to the sector.
11.00am: Getting to the Heart of It: Launching National Palliative Care Week
We begin the day by officially launching National Palliative Care Week with a meaningful lived experience conversation. This session will also include the launch of Palliative Care Tasmania’s new PalliCaring Guide and website, an announcement of our partnership with 1000 Hearts, and launching the 2026 Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards. A moment to reflect, connect and set the tone for the week ahead. Click Here to register for this session
12.00pm: Big Questions, Real Answers: Panel Discussion
Hear from four people working across end-of-life care, each bringing a different perspective and experience. This conversation will explore what great palliative care looks like, how it supports individuals and families, and why it matters for all of us. A thoughtful and accessible introduction for anyone wanting to better understand palliative care. Click Here to register for this session
12.45pm: Kindness in Action
This session offers space to slow down, connect and be creative. Join the 1000 Hearts pocket heart stitching activity, or simply enjoy live music from AudreyRose and a complimentary light lunch catered by Pickled Pear. A gentle opportunity to meet others and be part of a shared moment of kindness. Click Here to register for this session
1.30pm: Why Mindfulness Matters
Facilitated by Mindfulness Programs Australasia, this guided session offers a quiet space for reflection. Through simple mindfulness practices, participants are invited to cultivate presence, compassion and calm, while gently exploring themes of end-of-life, grief and loss. Everyone is welcome. Click Here to register for this session
Register for Getting to the Heart of It
Learn moreLaunching Our Latest Resource: The PalliCaring Guide
As part of the day, we’re pleased to introduce our new resource, the “PalliCaring Guide”. It has been created to support people at different stages of their journey, with information tailored for Tasmania.
The guide is designed for people living with a life-limiting condition, including those experiencing advanced ageing, as well as carers, families and those supporting them. We understand this time can feel uncertain and overwhelming. This resource offers practical, easy to understand information to help people feel more prepared and supported.
It brings together guidance on understanding options, making decisions, planning ahead and finding support. It can be used in your own way, whether you read it all at once or return to it when needed. The guide is designed to be clear, approachable and easy to navigate for everyone. Soft copies will be available on PCT website for FREE download and hard copies will be available for ordering via the PCT Website after the launch.
New PCT Website Launch
During National Palliative Care Week, we will also be launching our upgraded website. Over the past twelve months, we have worked closely with health professionals, carers, patients and sector partners to better understand what people need.
The new site is more user friendly, easier to navigate and makes it simpler to find the right information and support. It also connects people to a wider network of services and resources across the sector.
Celebrating Compassion and Quality: Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards
During National Palliative Care Week, we launch the 2026 Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards. These annual Awards recognise the people, teams and organisations who provide compassionate, high quality palliative care across Tasmania. With eight categories, it is a chance to acknowledge those making a real difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Nominations will open to the public on 20 May 2026.
This year, Award recipients will be announced at the Tasmanian Palliative Care Conference on 9 and 10 September 2026. We encourage you to start thinking about who you might nominate and help recognise the important work happening across our community.
Visiting Specialist Palliative Care Units
A Special Visit to Peacock One Ward, Hobart
Over recent months, we have been collecting donations for the Gift of Comfort project at Peacock One Ward, supported by communities across Tasmania. From handmade quilts to thoughtful comfort items, each contribution reflects kindness, care and a shared desire to support people at end of life.
During National Palliative Care Week, these donations will be delivered to the Ward, helping create a more familiar and comforting space for patients and their families. We look forward to sharing more about this journey and the people behind it in the coming weeks.
A Special Visit to Specialist Palliative Care Units – Launceston
Last year, we had the privilege of visiting Calvary's Gibson Ward in South Hobart during National Palliative Care Week. This year, we’re heading north to visit specialist palliative care units in Launceston.
This visit is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated professionals who provide care, support and compassion every day. Their work makes a real difference to individuals and families across Northern Tasmania, often during the most important moments of care.
We look forward to meeting the teams, sharing their stories and recognising the impact of their work. Follow along on our social channels during National Palliative Care Week for updates from the visit.
"Celebration of Life", A Time to Remember Together in Launceston
As part of National Palliative Care Week 2026, the Specialist Palliative Care Service (THS Northern Region) and Calvary St Luke’s Hospital warmly invite community members, families, and colleagues to a Celebration of Life service. Held at The Boathouse Centre on Thursday 14 May 2026 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, this gathering offers a gentle and respectful space to pause, reflect, and honour the lives of those who have been cared for.
Together, we acknowledge the shared experience of grief across both our personal and professional lives, and come together to remember, celebrate, and recognise the people who have touched our hearts and communities.
Grief and Loss Training Across the North and North West
In recognition of National Palliative Care Week 2026, a series of grief and loss training sessions will be delivered across the North and North West in the week following NPCW. These sessions are designed to support both community members and professionals, offering practical guidance and space for reflection when supporting others through grief.
Training sessions include:
- Ravenswood Community Services Centre: Sessions for both staff and the local community.
- A range of sessions with Carer Support Groups across the North and North West, delivered through Care2Serve programs.
- An online Learning Through Loss session for those working with children and young people.
- A professional development session for the Clarity HealthCare psychology team
These sessions aim to strengthen confidence, build understanding, and support those who are walking alongside others through grief in their work and communities.