Grief can feel deeply personal, but it does not have to be faced alone. Through guided well-being activities and supportive sessions, attendees had the opportunity to better understand their grief, honour their loved one, and connect with others who share similar experiences. With compassionate support from specialist bereavement volunteers, this retreat offered a space to reflect and feel supported.

What happened on the day

This thoughtfully designed program balanced emotional support with practical tools to help attendees navigate grief beyond the day itself.

Throughout the retreat, attendees were gently guided through:

• Well-being and reflection sessions
• Opportunities to honour and remember loved ones
• Practical tools and insights to support your grief journey
• Quiet moments for rest, reflection, and connection

Every element of the day was designed to feel accessible, nurturing, and pressure-free.

A calming sound healing session closed the day, helping attendees leave feeling grounded, supported, and at ease.

Address: The Centre for Care & Wellbeing, Springvale Botanical Cemetery

Third Drive, 600 Princes Hwy, Springvale, VIC 3171 (a reminder email will be sent closer to the date, outlining details of parking, maps and venue locations)

Cost: $60.00 ( facilitated sessions, resources, emotional support from specialist grief organisations, and catering for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea included)

To register for this event, click here.

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM

Registration

09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

Welcome and Remembrance

Jillian West, proud Bunurong woman
Bianca Otto, Mindful Empowerment

A beautiful warm welcome to the day including a Welcome to Country, candle lighting and a photo tribute to those we've lost.

09:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Meditation

Bianca Otto, Mindful Empowerment

Enjoy a deep sense of peace, clarity, focus and creativity...this soothing session will leave you feeling more relaxed, balanced and fully present.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Morning Tea

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Is My Grief Normal?

Grief Australia

This session offers a compassionate and informative exploration of the grief experience. We'll look at what happens in the body and mind during grief. It will include what is considered a ‘normal’ part of the grieving process, identify signs that may indicate the need for additional support, strategies for self-care and supporting others who may be grieving. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of grief, what to expect, and where to go for help if concerns arise.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Living With Loss

The Compassionate Friends Victoria

In this session we will reflect on living without our loved ones while continuing our relationship with them. We will look at navigating anniversaries and significant dates, and the ways in which we can honour and carry our loved ones forward.

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

Lunch

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

Mindful Walk and Creativity

Candice Mace

The Mindful walk will be an opportunity to move slowly and reflect in nature, share memories, connect with others, and feel less alone. This 30 minute outdoor experience is designed to restore a sense of ease and peace. A range of creative activities will also be available for you to try.

02:30 PM - 03:30 PM

Taking Care of Yourself

Palliative Care South East

This session explores ideas for supporting yourself while grieving a loss. Often emotional pain can be experienced as physical symptoms and may effect your sleep, appetite, concentration and cause symptoms like headaches and stomach pain. We will look at strategies you might like to consider and help in taking care of yourself.

03:30 PM - 04:00 PM

Afternoon Tea

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Sound Bowl Meditation

Melissa King, Miscarriage Information Support Service

A beautiful calming session of relaxing sound vibrations using quartz crystal bowls. Singing bowls produce soothing sounds that invoke a state of deep relaxation which aid in reducing stress and to enhance self-care