Big Love Ceremonies & Counselling

27/04/2026

26/04/2026

When Blake Johnston's dad died by su***de, it was one of the worst days of his life.

"He was always my hero. He was my best mate," he says.

The loss left the former pro surfer feeling a huge mix of emotions, from guilt to anger.

But in the aftermath of the complex trauma of losing his father, Blake became, in his words, a better person.

He transformed his own life and habits, and developed a passion for helping others in an example of the psychological change known as "post-traumatic growth".

The Cronulla surf coach is now dedicated to raising awareness for mental health through world record surfing challenges and advocacy work.

Read Rose Kerr with Sana Qadar and James Bullen's full story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-04-26/surf-coach-blake-johnston-turns-grief-into-post-traumatic-growth/106421100?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web

If you need someone to talk to, call:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Su***de Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- QLife on 1800 184 527

24/04/2026

The War Widow’s creed was quoted in my service yesterday.
It seems that it’s only this week I have been made aware of it. (Or, it’s sinking in properly for the first time)
From King George VI, as part of his 1941 Christmas message.
It brought me to tears.
And is as true now as it was then.
“We all belong to each other.
We all need each other.
It is in serving each other
and in sacrificing
for our common good
that we are finding our true life.”
🫶🏻

23/04/2026

The much-loved broadcaster’s wife, clinical psychologist Joanne Corrigan, talks movingly about his farewell to family.

22/04/2026

🩵

18/04/2026

I don’t believe in ghosts. But for the bereaved, receiving ‘messages’ from beyond the grave can help us feel connected to the departed

16/04/2026

Just a few spots left for the Death Cafe I am co-facilitating with as part of the Dearly Departed Exhibit at .
Book:

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/death-cafe?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleARNgOtleHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABpwLyw3IeToGUPyYOQzTbB8vEZVtEIFJyicgbvTcW5Yu663UBbT_hF13ObcZh_aem_NSsGFJOEU8y6cGZ8Q--62Q

15/04/2026

A reminder to Qld Folk that the DEARLY DEPARTED exhibit is on at
The program is
chock-a-block full of fascinating workshops, events, seminars, discussions, DIY activities, and perhaps even a Death Cafe hosted by yours truly & .
Check out the event’s page on the State Library Website.
www.slq.qld.gov.au

14/04/2026

Always happy when well-known people join our Doula tribe. Helps to spread awareness and get conversations stated that may not otherwise happen. ✨

Dying to meet Nicole Kidman? She's keen to start training to become a Death Doula.

Speaking at the University of San Fransisco, she's told the crowd that “As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide.”

“Between my sister and I, we have so many children and our careers and our work, and wanting to take care of her because my father wasn’t in the world anymore,” she said. “And that’s when I went, ‘I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.’"

She continued, "There’s so much emphasis put on birth, but not so much on death. As part of my expansion, I’d love to learn that role. I think it’s an important part of our culture; loneliness is a big part of our world now, particularly for people in that stage of life. I want to be there. I want to be able to provide."

So, what is a death doula?

First and foremost, it’s someone comfortable talking about death and dying. It’s someone who offers non-medical support to a person moving towards their end-of-life, and their families. They provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to people with life-limiting illnesses.

They bridge the gap between the dying and their families or partners, their carers, their medicos, their community. It’s someone who helps their client get prepared for their death, be it six months away or six hours: holding their hand, explaining things, accompanying them to appointments, navigating the health system, decluttering their house, assisting with the preparation of Advance Care Directives and funeral planning, or simply being there if there is no one else is. The job description is very varied!

There's more in my blog in the comments. I've also linked the details of the talk from the Uni.

xLisa