Dying to Know Day is an Australian awareness day that encourages open, practical conversations about death, dying and end-of-life planning.
The day focuses on helping people understand their choices, document their wishes and reduce the stress placed on loved ones when decisions are left unspoken. It promotes education, conversation and preparation, so that end-of-life planning becomes a normal part of life, not something avoided until a crisis hits.
Why this matters
- Avoiding conversations about death often leaves families guessing during medical crises or after a death.
- Lack of end-of-life planning can lead to conflict, delays, legal complications and emotional distress for loved ones.
- Clear documentation helps ensure medical, financial and personal wishes are respected.
- Talking early reduces fear, uncertainty and misinformation around dying.
- Normalising these discussions supports dignity, autonomy and better decision-making at every life stage.
Dying to Know Day highlights how preparation and honest conversation can reduce harm, improve outcomes and ease the burden on those left to carry out our wishes.
Event Co-ordination / Support
Australia
- Proveda
Current delivery partner for Dying to Know Day, coordinating the national campaign, events and community programs across Australia. - Groundswell Project
Original initiator of Dying to Know Day, founded in 2013 to build death literacy and encourage open conversations about dying and end-of-life planning.
