Every day in Australia, 400 people of all ages die of a terminal illness. Every one of them could benefit from palliative care – care that is their human right, care that can enrich their final days, and care that too many people still miss out on.
With the support of the the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) opens conversations, raises awareness, and advocates for better access to and acceptance of palliative care.
In 2025, led by Palliative Care Australia and our members around Australia, NPCW celebrates 30 years by asking a simple yet powerful question: “What’s your plan?” It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
Why does this conversation matters even more now?
Death still remains a difficult subject for people to talk about, that’s natural and human. Death is also often considered to be a taboo. The reluctance, and lack of awareness and engagement contributes to a widespread misunderstanding of what palliative care is and what it can offer.
NPCW 2025 is about changing that. It provides an opportunity to start those conversations, break down taboos, dispel myths, and empower the life and choices that need to be considered with terminal illness and ageing.
Thank you for your interest and support – let’s get going! Below you will find a host of information to support your own understanding of palliative care and a range of ideas and resources that will enable you to get involved in National Palliative Care Week 2025.
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