Beyond the Will

Beyond the Will Holistic end-of-life planning is more than formal documents (will and advanced care plan). It needs doing before it’s really needed.

It reflects our values, interests and the breadth of our lives: emotional housekeeping, end-of-life, our legacy and more.

(1958-2021) a stellar Aboriginal actor and dancer passed in South Australia. His wishes were to be repatriated to his ...
28/08/2025

(1958-2021) a stellar Aboriginal actor and dancer passed in South Australia. His wishes were to be repatriated to his home Country in for his and burial.

This resulted in an extended and extraordinarily complicated . It was hindered by the distance, remoteness of his community and that during the lengthy wet season, the community is isolated by the .

The logistics of this process, as well as the arrangements for a the traditional funeral ceremony - - are the subject of a fascinating documentary: Journey Home – David Gulpilil. Supported by and it's currently on release in cinemas.

,

NOTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains an image of a person who has died. The late actor's family has granted permission to use his name and image.

Plan the send-off you’d want to attend.This September and October, Beyond the Will is running small group, half-day work...
27/08/2025

Plan the send-off you’d want to attend.

This September and October, Beyond the Will is running small group, half-day workshops to help you take control of your .

From your and to your chosen form of , you'll understand the options, practical steps, and personal touches that ensure your choices reflect your story and values.

Each workshop is limited to 6 participants, creating space for meaningful conversation, clear guidance, and resources to help you start building an effective end-of-life plan.

It’s not morbid—it’s empowering. Planning ahead eases the burden on loved ones and gives you peace of mind.

📩 Send me a message if you’d like to stay updated on dates and details.

The last day of the . Here is another on . written by and features a young girl's relationship with her belo...
27/08/2025

The last day of the . Here is another on .

written by and features a young girl's relationship with her beloved . It shows his as he requires an oxygen mask as he lies in the . It also depicts a .

It's never too early to incorporate reading stories that include death with children. It helps to as something that happens to all living things and allows information to be prevented in an age-appropriate way. Ask your librarian to recommend books if you're wanting suggestions.

Thanks to for sharing this. I had not seen what look like following or . This is also known commercially from one...
26/08/2025

Thanks to for sharing this. I had not seen what look like following or . This is also known commercially from one specific provider as .

The other thing to note is that water cremation provides a far more for your body than the use of fire . It is beginning to become more available in Australia. It's also quite cost effective - particularly in relation to a ground .

Finally, implanted such as and other can be recovered and reused or recycled.

Why Plan Ahead?Many people assume planning is only for those who are , or have a diagnosis. But in reality, plannin...
25/08/2025

Why Plan Ahead?

Many people assume planning is only for those who are , or have a diagnosis. But in reality, planning ahead:

🌿reduces stress and conflict for families
🌿ensures your values guide every decision
🌿helps avoid unnecessary costs and upselling in times of grief, and
🌿creates space for meaningful conversations and informed decisions.

When we take time to plan without urgency, we have and freedom to choose what truly matters.

If you're thinking about yourself, or perhaps , reach out for a confidential chat or more information.

is a form a and there are a range of legal, judicial and social supports to prevent it and provide assistance to tho...
25/08/2025

is a form a and there are a range of legal, judicial and social supports to prevent it and provide assistance to those experiencing it.

It includes a wide range of actions including in relation to property, living arrangements and finances, such a withholding or , physical, sexual and . Family members, close friends or people who are caring for the can be perpetrating this abuse.

Victoria has many services which can assist - as can be seen in this information from the Barwon Area. provides a statewide service and is national. Both operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for , advice and help.

Fears are being raised in the UK about increasing trade in , including , , , and other body parts.The law has loop...
24/08/2025

Fears are being raised in the UK about increasing trade in , including , , , and other body parts.

The law has loopholes which means although is an offence, the remains aren't 'property'. Consequently they can neither be owned nor stolen. So selling or having is not automatically a crime.

A taskforce ( ) has noted a significant increase in 'archaeological' sales. Skulls and bones for sale that appear to be or excavated from the ground. Some are coming from other sources internationally where the theft and sale of human remains has been a long term problem.

A book for younger children on and is , written by .It follows a bear who is experiencing a and holds their grie...
23/08/2025

A book for younger children on and is , written by .

It follows a bear who is experiencing a and holds their grief tightly in the form of a leaf, which they call . But with time, the change of seasons and the drying and of the leaf, they have to let go of greaf. Time does help this process - although greaf will always remain with them in a gentler form.

We don't know the specific reason for the bear's grief, making it suitable for a range of situations. Moreover, the illustrations are lovely.

Last Friday I presented at two events — one with the City of Port Phillip and another in /Merri-bek. Both sparked val...
22/08/2025

Last Friday I presented at two events — one with the City of Port Phillip and another in /Merri-bek. Both sparked valuable conversations about , , , and the choices families really have.

My focus is holistic . Using my unique framework of nine domains, I help people clarify their values, set priorities, and create a plan that’s practical and personal.

Most of my clients aren’t elderly — they’re people planning for what is likely to be decades ahead. But no one is promised tomorrow. Planning outside of a or makes everything clearer, calmer, and kinder for loved ones.

💬 Reach out if you’d like to learn how can ease the burden and protect your family from unnecessary cost and stress.

Families who but can end up damaging their . A recent poll by online care platform found the majority of Australi...
22/08/2025

Families who but can end up damaging their .

A recent poll by online care platform found the majority of Australians are concerned that will damage their relationships with . Past worry 70% of respondents and unresolved is another major concern when .

Other issues noted include one child bearing the disproportionate , conflict about and the “sad-min” of completing multiple forms. Unsurprisingly money is a particularly contentious area.

Talking openly with family and doing some planning can significantly help reduce the likelihood of . The planning approach ensures you're aware of all the areas to consider and can then focus on your priorities and values. Reach out for more information.



https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jul/30/there-are-times-i-feel-i-hate-them-how-siblings-can-clash-over-end-of-life-care-for-elderly-parents?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Othe

or contribute a great deal in all societies. Their and is often revered in communities across the world. Howev...
21/08/2025

or contribute a great deal in all societies. Their and is often revered in communities across the world.

However, in Australia many 's lives can become difficult - quite apart from the increasing range of medical and that may come with . There are also distinct differences between genders and cultural backgrounds:

- over a quarter of
- women retire with 25% less than men and experience or at much higher levels as well
- only a quarter of and access the , in comparison to about 58% of the general population
- is a common form of , affecting 1 in 6 seniors
- 64% of report being affected by in the last 5 years
- a quarter of have experienced in employment since turning 50.

Happy International Senior's Day! A day to recognise the contributions, wisdom and support provide to their communitie...
21/08/2025

Happy International Senior's Day! A day to recognise the contributions, wisdom and support provide to their communities. As well as to increase the awareness of issues affecting the older members of our society.

Generally, a senior is someone 65 or older, however Indigenous Australians are seniors at 50 given their significantly lower life expectancy. Moreover, citizens are eligible for a at 60 depending upon their income.

More than 16% of people in Australia are aged 65 and over, equating to 4.2 million seniors - 2 million men and 2.2 million women.

Fifteen percent of this group continue to participate in the workforce. A figure which has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Those 55 years and over contribute an amazing $74.5 billion to the each year in and .


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