Dearly Departed conversations: A good death

An open conversation exploring death, dying and how we might live — and die — with intention.

Dearly Departed conversations: A good death

What does it mean to have a good death? Is it about dignity, choice and comfort? About care, preparation, or not facing death alone?

A Good Death is an expert-led panel conversation that explores how we understand death and dying — not simply as an ending, but as a deeply human experience shaped by values, relationships, culture and care.

The discussion brings together informed perspectives from across professional practice and lived experience to consider how ideas of a ‘good death’ are formed, challenged and understood. Panellists will reflect on themes of death literacy, end-of-life decision-making, grief, ritual and the emotional realities of dying, offering thoughtful insight.

Grounded in reflection and shared knowledge, A Good Death invites audiences to consider how greater openness about death might shape the way we live, care for others, and approach mortality with intention and compassion.

The conversation will conclude with a facilitated audience Q&A.

This event runs in conjunction with Dearly Departed: death in life, State Library’s exhibition drawing on rich collections of objects and stories to explore how social, cultural, spiritual, historical and political forces have shaped Queenslanders’ attitudes to death and dying. Attendees are encouraged to visit the exhibition before or after the event to deepen their engagement with its themes and artworks.

Content note
This event forms part of Dearly Departed: death in life and engages with themes of death, dying, memory and remembrance. Content may include personal stories, imagery, sound or discussion that some people may find emotionally affecting. You’re welcome to participate at your own pace and to step away or take a break at any time.
Some events may also include references to, or recordings of, people who have since passed, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Image: Several headstones on display outside J. McCulloch's Monumental Works, Warwick, 1911?, unidentified, 27814 Warwick and District Glass Plate Negatives, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 27814-0001-0041