On Friday 22 November, we held a Community Conversation in Coffs Harbour that brought together a dynamic group of community members and professionals to discuss the region’s palliative care and end-of-life needs.
16 participants attended, contributing to a rich dialogue and meaningful insights. The event welcomed diverse representation, including community members, home care and aged care staff, retirement village representatives, and a local community officer from the Cancer Council.Â
The session highlighted some remarkable achievements within the Coffs Harbour community, including its standout rate of residents able to die at home – one of the highest in the state. This reflects the incredible work of general practitioners, local palliative care teams, paramedics, community care providers, and families. Â
Priority support for those with a life-limiting illness
During the session, an update was shared on the new NDIS priority pathway for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities. This pathway ensures faster and more streamlined access to palliative care for those who need it. This recent development underscores the importance of inclusive care options for people with disabilities. Â
‘A wonderful program’
Post-event evaluations highlighted the value of the Community Conversation in helping attendees:Â
- Understand the availability of local services and resources.Â
- Gain legal and medical advice regarding care and treatment.Â
- Learn about care and support options for carers and recipients.Â
- Increase awareness of Palliative Care NSW and make professional contacts.Â
- Share personal experiences and find useful resources.Â
Participants overwhelmingly praised the session as informative and appreciated the opportunity to connect and discuss palliative care. As one attendee noted:Â
‘A wonderful program – much needed, especially for carers.’
Thank you to everyone who participated in this conversation and contributed to the positive outcomes. These discussions remind us of the power of collaboration and community-focused solutions. If you have additional insights, stories, or successes to share, please reach out. Together, we can continue improving end-of-life care and support in our region.Â