Schools of Life and Death

Hear from a panel of experts as they draw from their diverse personal and professional experiences to discuss the ways different cultural groups understand and relate to the concept of death.  

What is a ‘good death’? Incorporating a range of personal and professional perspectives, this panel discussion unpacks the many ways we understand and experience death throughout our lives – from how we carefully communicate the inevitability of death to children, to the stories we tell ourselves and our loved ones about it as adults. Hear from renowned writer Chloe Hooper, death doula and independent funeral director Kimba Griffith, Wamba Wamba, Ngurai-Illum Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wotjobaluk woman and owner of Murrenda Memorial Service Stacey Hamilton, anthropologist Dr Hannah Gould and host Paul Barclay, as they discuss the ways different families, cultures and communities experience dying, death and grieving, the extent to which technological advancements have impacted modern-day death care, and what elements need to come together for a ‘good death’ to occur.

Illustration: Megan Herbert

The bookseller for this event is Neighbourhood Books.

This event will be recorded and broadcast as part of ABC’s Big Ideas. Presented in partnership with the Contemplative Studies Centre.