This week marks the 30th annual National Palliative Care Week (NPCW), a milestone anniversary for Australia's national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about palliative care and quality of life at the end of life.
Running from Sunday 11 May to Saturday 17 May 2025, this year's campaign poses a simple yet powerful question to all Australians: "What's your plan?"
Every day in Australia, 400 people of all ages die of life limiting or terminal illnesses. Every one of them could benefit from end of life planning and palliative care. NPCW honours that work and those people.
"It's a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to discuss plans that empower and respect choices during the last years, months, and days of life," says Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
For individuals and families – It encourages thinking and discussion about their own future and quality of life, making informed choices, and deciding on preferred care options.
For health and care sectors – It prompts reflection on capacity, innovation, and readiness to meet the increased demand for palliative and end of life care as our ageing population grows.
For governments – It calls for accountability and creates opportunities to discuss policy, investment, and strategy addressing future palliative care needs.
Reflecting on 30 years of National Palliative Care Week, Ms. Rowland acknowledges both progress and continuing challenges. "Over three decades, awareness has grown, and we’ve seen firsthand the positive difference quality palliative care can make. But access to palliative care still remains limited and challenging."
“While we've built a foundation of awareness, there's still much work to be done. This year, we're encouraging Australians to take that crucial first step to have those difficult conversations about end of life and plan ahead."
There are events happening across the country this week. Check the National Palliative Care Week campaign page for your local events, as well as a range of digital tools you can use to support NPCW, and advice around end of life conversations and planning.
Contact details:
Camilla Rowland, CEO PCA
0409987160
