Palliative Care Week Highlights Key Questions
National Palliative Care Week 2026 starts on 10th May, urging Australians to engage in important conversations about palliative and end-of-life care.
Running until 16th May, the campaign, titled ‘Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers’, encourages asking questions, seeking trusted information and discussing personal care preferences.
Simon Waring, Interim CEO of Palliative Care Australia, stated, “Too many Australians still think palliative care is only for the very end of life, when in reality it can begin much earlier and sit alongside other treatments.”
He explained that palliative care supports comfort, dignity, and quality of life, helping not only patients but also families, carers, and loved ones. “This year, we are encouraging Australians to ask the big questions: What matters most to me? What care would help me live well? Who needs to know my wishes? And what support is available for the people around me?” said Mr. Waring.
More than 450 Australians die each day from a life-limiting illness, highlighting the need for timely palliative care. Access to quality care should not depend on one’s postcode, diagnosis, age, background, or care setting.
Across the country, health services, community organisations, workplaces, and volunteers will mark the week with events, education sessions, public forums, landmark light-ups, and local activities. Participants are encouraged to wear an orange heart, symbolising palliative care support.
Palliative Care Australia encourages everyone to attend events, share campaign resources, or start a conversation with someone close to them. Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the week provides resources via the Palliative Care Australia website for those seeking more information or wishing to host discussions.
The website offers a campaign toolkit, logos, social media tiles, posters, banners, and key campaign videos titled: ‘What does living well really mean?’, ‘What happens when you start the conversation?’, and ‘What help supports people live on their own terms?’.
National Palliative Care Week 2026 aims to build community understanding and maintain focus on delivering care when and where people need it. For more details, individuals can visit the PCA website to explore events and resources during the week.
