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Health Minister Meredith Hammat today opened Western Australia’s National Palliative Care Week 2026 sector breakfast, bringing together leaders from across the health, aged care and community sectors to recognise the importance of palliative care for Western Australians and their families.
This year’s National Palliative Care Week theme, ‘Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers’, encourages Australians to ask important questions about death, dying, quality of life and care preferences earlier, helping people and families make informed decisions and access support sooner.
Palliative Care WA is the peak body for palliative care in WA, supporting and strengthening the collective voice and impact of palliative care in the WA community.
Palliative Care WA President Liz Behjat said the week was an important reminder that palliative care is fundamentally about dignity, compassion and quality of life.
“Around 45 people die every day in WA who could benefit from palliative care support – helping them have a dignified and compassionate end of life,” Ms Behjat said.
“Palliative care is about helping people live as well as possible for as long as possible, while ensuring families and carers are supported through some of life’s most difficult moments.
“That is why we decided to bring together grief experts and people with lived experience to explore the relationship between quality palliative care and the grieving process. These conversations highlight how compassionate care, honest communication and dignity at the end of life can shape the grieving process for those left behind.
“PCWA is pleased to see continuing funding for palliative care in both residential care and community settings as part of the recent budget announcements.”
Guest speakers and panellists at the breakfast include:
The WA National Palliative Care Week Breakfast brings together representatives from hospitals, aged care, primary care, community services, government and advocacy organisations to reflect on the future of palliative care and the importance of compassionate communities.
National Palliative Care Week runs from 10 to 16 May 2026. Visit https://palliativecarewa.asn.au/ to learn more about our other events during the week and to access palliative care resources.
PCWA is very grateful that Richard Lockwood’s substantial support allowed us to take our messages to regional communities in the Bunbury, Albany and Karratha, enabling them to be part of this annual palliative care sector educational and networking event.
We are also extremely grateful for the generous sponsorship from our wonderful colleagues at Parkinson’s Western Australia, Silverchain, Brightwater, Cares Communities, Bethesda Health Care, and PaSCE.
Thanks and gratitude also go to Fraser’s Kings Park, Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, Albany Golf Club, and Karratha International Hotel, beautiful music by Helen Shanahan, Welcome to Country from Sharon Wood-Kenney, audio-visual assistance from PAV, and of course, our helpers on the ground at the four venues.
Thank you to everyone for making it such a great event!
#palliativecarewa #NPCW2026 #GettingToTheHeartOfIt #BigQuestionsRealAnswers
