Conversations on Death and Dying: A three-part series

Friday 20 March 2026, 6:30-8:00pm
A Story of Endings: Documentary film screening

Saturday 21 March 2026, 11:00am-12:30pm
Let's Talk About Endings: A community conversation on death and dying

Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6:30-8:00pm
Sitting with the Unknown: A contemplative practice

Join us for Conversations on Death & Dying, a three-part series that gently opens space to explore our relationship with death, dying and the unknown. Through film, dialogue, and contemplative practice, we’ll consider how facing life’s impermanence can deepen presence, compassion and connection.

More details about each session are below.

Participants are welcome to attend any session independently and do not need to attend all three consecutively. Please note the different session times.

Facilitator: Dina Smirnova, Death Doula Melbourne

Friday 20 March 2026, 6:30-8:00pm
A Story of Endings: Documentary film screening

Join us for A Story of Endings, a moving and insightful feature-length documentary exploring the growing death doula movement. Directed and self-produced by Lucy Pijnenburg, the film follows four doulas as they work to reimagine our shared relationship with death through Death Cafés and community-centred initiatives that break taboos and build death literacy across Naarm/Melbourne.

After the screening, we’ll gather for a Q&A session. The evening will also feature Let’s Talk About Endings, the reflective conversation card deck that is inspired by the film and created by director Lucy Pijnenburg.

Arrive a little early (from 6:15pm) for a welcoming cup of tea. We’ll begin the film promptly at 6:30pm.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this program contains images and voices of people who have passed away.

Saturday 21 March 2026, 11:00am-12:30pm
Let's Talk About Endings: A community conversation on death and dying

This gentle, inclusive session offers space to connect, reflect and speak openly about the end of life. We’ll be using the Let’s Talk About Endings conversation cards - created by filmmaker Lucy Pijnenburg - to help guide meaningful dialogue and spark curiosity. There is no agenda, no expectations and no need to prepare. You’re welcome to actively participate through listening, sharing or simply being present. All that’s needed is your openness and willingness to explore a topic that touches us all. Building on the A Story of Endings film night, this session invites our community to explore conversations about death and dying together. Attendance at the film screening is not required - but highly recommended if you’re able to join us.

Doors open at 10:45am for a prompt 11am start.

Please note: This session is designed as a space for open discussion and community connection. It is not a grief support group or counselling service. If you’re interested in attending but unsure whether this session is right for you at this time, please reach out to Cathy.Elkington@wellspringcentre.org.au

Wednesday 25 March 2026, 6:30-8:00pm
Sitting with the Unknown: A contemplative practice

A contemplative practice circle with guided reflection and gentle discussion, designed to support reflection, presence and deeper engagement with life’s uncertainties. Together, we’ll explore practices that help us meet the unknown with curiosity rather than fear - through guided meditation, reflective exercises, stillness and spacious conversation. This is a non-denominational offering and warmly supports all forms of contemplative or spiritual practice. Whether you’re completely new to meditation or have an established practice, you’re welcome here. No prior experience is necessary. The intention of the session is to create a gentle, grounded space where we can slow down, turn inward and reflect on the themes that shape our lives: impermanence, meaning and the inevitability of change. We’ll move between quiet contemplation and shared discussion, allowing each person to engage in whatever way feels authentic and comfortable. All that is asked of participants is to come with openness, curiosity and a willingness to meet whatever arises in the present moment.

Doors open at 6:15pm for a prompt 6:30pm start.

About Dina:

Dina Smirnova is an Azerbaijani-born, American-raised artist, teacher, and end-of-life doula living on Wurundjeri Country in Victoria, Australia. With over two decades of experience as a movement and meditation teacher, she brings a grounded, somatic approach to her work.

Dina offers compassionate support to individuals and families navigating death, dying, and grief, offering death-positive education, holistic grief care, and presence-based support for the dying. Her practice is rooted in a deep commitment to supporting others in liminal life transitions, reminding them that true healing comes from within.

More information:

Dina Smirnova – deathdoulamelbourne.com

Let’s Talk About Endings – letstalkaboutendings.com

Gift Voucher / Event Credit

If you have a WellSpring gift voucher or event credit that you would like to apply to this booking, please choose Direct Deposit as your payment method. Then, please transfer the order amount less your credit amount, and email the office to advise us of this: info@wellspringcentre.org.au. Please provide the relevant order and transaction details in your email.

Membership Discount

Please note that WellSpring Members receive 10% off all eligible events and retreats. Join or renew to benefit now!

Waiver

By registering, I acknowledge that I have voluntarily enrolled to participate in this event. I am medically, physically, mentally, psychologically and in all respects fit and able to participate in the event. I hereby release and discharge my rights and claims for damages or liabilities that may occur as a result of my participation in this event.