Conversations on life and death draw 300 to Coffs Coast Death & Dying Expo

THE Coffs Coast Death & Dying Expo returned in August for its second year at the Norm Jordan Pavilion, bringing together more than 300 attendees, 33 stallholders, and a full program of talks, panels, and performances.

The free, not-for-profit event, tackled topics so often avoided yet universally experienced, including open, compassionate, and empowering conversations about death, dying, and grief.

Organisations such as the NSW Palliative Care Council and Coffs Coast Women’s Health Centre joined grassroots practitioners and community groups, offering resources and support for people at every stage of life.

The Expo’s program was equally diverse, with talks on end-of-life planning, therapeutic cannabis use, and how to discuss death with children; alongside a moving cultural panel exploring different traditions and cultural perspectives around dying.

A poetry slam invited local poets to share original works on grief and mortality.

The day closed with a symbolic dove release.

One Organiser, Zianna Fuad, said the event was about shifting perceptions, and building a compassionate network of care.

“Talking about death isn’t morbid – it’s actually deeply life-affirming to acknowledge the inevitability of our short time here, and to be prepared, so we can live more fully and without fear,” she said.

“When we open up these conversations, we not only reduce fear and stigma, we also expand our capacity to care for each other through life’s most complex [and common] moments.

“This Expo is about giving our community the tools, choices, and confidence to approach the end of life with compassion and dignity, and to bring us into a deeper connection with one another.”

The Expo, which began at Woolgoolga Community Gardens in 2024 with 20 stallholders and just over 100 attendees, has more than doubled in size for its second year.

Organisers credit a dedicated volunteer committee and strong community support, including funding from Coffs Harbour City Council and the national Dying to Know Day campaign, for helping to make the expansion possible.

For many, the highlight was the sense of connection.

Attendees included seniors planning ahead, families curious about resources, and professionals working in end-of-life care.

“It was incredible to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to share, learn, and listen,” Ms Faud said.

“The energy was buzzing, but it was also deeply grounding.

“It showed us that when we make space for these conversations, the whole community benefits.”

Organisers say they have begun planning for 2026, with hopes to continue growing the Expo while keeping its grassroots, community focus.

By Andrea FERRARI