Presented in association with Dying to Know Day (8 August)—a national campaign that encourages Australians to take an active role in their end-of-life planning—our recent Rest Assured webinar featured a powerful session with Dr. Kerrie Noonan from the Death Literacy Institute.
Dr. Noonan introduced the concept of death literacy—our ability to understand and engage with the many practical, emotional, and social aspects of death and dying. Her presentation encouraged attendees to reflect on their own experiences, actions, and knowledge, helping them identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for deeper understanding.
She explored the core components that underpin death literacy: skills, knowledge, actions, and lived experience. These elements were brought to life through practical examples, such as planning ahead, navigating palliative care, and understanding funeral arrangements. The discussion emphasised how death literacy can empower individuals to make informed decisions, support others, and participate more fully in conversations about end-of-life matters.
Dr. Noonan also highlighted the importance of sharing personal stories and normalising death-related discussions in our daily lives. By encouraging open dialogue, we can build communities that are more prepared, compassionate, and resilient. The session concluded by outlining potential next steps and actions, followed by an open forum for questions and discussion.