How do we make the most of the one life we know we have?

Join us for a thoughtful, practical and humane exploration of mortality, end-of-life planning, and living well in light of our one life. This special event brings together expert speakers, practical workshops and meaningful conversation to help us reflect on what matters most, prepare for the future, and support those we care about.

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Program

Arrival and Welcome

10:30am–11:00am Arrive, settle in, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s program begins.

Morning Keynote and Q&A

11:00am–12:30pm The morning session will feature a keynote presentation followed by audience questions and discussion. We are currently seeking to confirm Associate Professor Dr Mark Boughey, Victoria’s first Chief Palliative Care Advisor, as our keynote speaker. Dr Boughey has been a leading voice in palliative care, helping people navigate serious illness, dying, and end-of-life decision-making with dignity and compassion. Should Dr Boughey be unavailable, an experienced speaker from the palliative care or end-of-life sector will be announced in his place.

Shared Catered Lunch

12:30pm–1:30pm Enjoy a catered lunch and the opportunity to continue conversations with fellow humanists. As with all Humanist Society gatherings, community connection is an important part of the day.

Afternoon Workshops: Practicalities of Death Preparation for Everyone

1:30pm–3:00pm Participants will attend two practical workshop sessions designed to help make end-of-life planning more approachable, thoughtful and achievable. Workshop one: Funeral Planning, Legacy and Communicating Your Wishes Lead by Candace Mulcahy, Funeral Director and coordinator of the Humanist Society’s Legacy and Farewell Planning Service. This workshop will explore practical funeral planning, legacy reflection, communicating your wishes clearly, and the steps you can take now to reduce uncertainty for loved ones in the future. Workshop two: Getting Your Critical Information Organised Lead by Catherine Ashton, Founder of Critical Info. This session will focus on practical preparedness, organising essential information, reducing stress for family members, and creating systems that ensure important details are available when they’re needed most.

Tickets

Humanist Society Members: $25 Non-Members: $40 Humanist Society members receive discounted event pricing, saving around 40% on admission. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining to access reduced event fees and other member benefits throughout the year.

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Book Pull Donations

Our popular fundraising Book Pull will return for this event. We’re seeking donations of thoughtful, good-quality books, particularly titles relating to death, dying, meaning, reflection, philosophy, humanism, and living well. Unusual or thought-provoking books that would appeal to humanists are especially welcome.

Volunteer Opportunity

We’re looking for a few volunteers to assist with welcoming guests, event setup, and general support throughout the day. If you’d like to help make this event a success, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us to express your interest.

We hope to see you there

Death is one of the few experiences we all share, yet many of us rarely have the opportunity to discuss it openly. This event offers a chance to explore mortality with curiosity, honesty and compassion, while gaining practical tools for planning ahead and living more intentionally today. We hope you’ll join us for a day of learning, reflection and community.