Events
The Practical Doula delivers presentations, workshops and community education events across Melbourne and Victoria. Subjects include advance care planning, end-of-life conversations or understanding your options after death and more. Our events provide practical information in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you're part of a community group, healthcare organisation, neighbourhood house, service club or aged care provider, we can deliver gentle, insightful and practical sessions on end-of-life topics.
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Join Melanie from The Practical Doula, alongside other local support services, at the 2026 Circle of Care - A Community Expo for Dying to Know Day.
As part of the national Dying to Know Day campaign, Dovida is creating a welcoming space for conversations about end-of-life planning, future wishes and the support available within our community.
Come along, meet local support services, ask questions, gather information and explore your options in a warm and supportive environment.
Date: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Location: Ringwood RSL, 16 Station Street, Ringwood VIC 3134
Cost: Free - registration essential.
Registration: Places are limited so click here to secure your place!
See more information about the event here and the program for the day here.
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Join a warm and supportive conversation about the importance of planning ahead in a non-judgmental and safe space.
This session offers a simple, compassionate introduction to the documents that can help ensure your wishes are known and honored. Whether you're just beginning to think about these topics or looking to feel more prepared, this is a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take the first steps - at your own pace.
Available for sale on the day will be a comprehensive End of Life Wishes Planning and Wishes Form.
Also available for sale will be a “Keep Calm and Prepare Kit” - a gentle and practical introduction (a great ice-breaker) to end-of-life planning.
Date: Friday 07 August 2026
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Vermont South Neighbourhood House, 1 Karobran Drive, Vermont South, VIC 3133
Cost: $30.00Book your place:
📞 Call (03) 9803 2335Places are limited.
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As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, join Melanie from The Practical Doula for a free community information session exploring the important documents that can help you prepare for the future.
Many people are unsure which end-of-life documents they need, when they should complete them, or how these documents can help their loved ones during difficult times. This session will provide a practical overview of key documents such as Advance Care Directives, Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Makers and Support People and other important planning considerations.
Whether you are planning for yourself or supporting an ageing parent, this informative session will help you understand your options, make informed choices and reduce stress for those you care about.
This session also serves as an introduction to Planning Ahead - Gentle Introduction to End-of Life-Documentation, The Practical Doula's more comprehensive workshop, being held on Tuesday 27 October at Godfrey Street Community House, for those wishing to explore these topics in greater depth.
Date: Tuesday 06 October 2026
Time: 1.00pm - 2.30pm
Location: Godfrey Street Community House, 9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh VIC 3204
Cost: FREEBook your place:
📞 Call (03) 9557 9037Be quick - Places are limited to 15.
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Join a warm and supportive conversation about the importance of planning ahead in a non-judgmental and safe space.
This session includes a simple, compassionate introduction to the documents that can help ensure your wishes are known and honoured. Whether you're just beginning to think about these topics or looking to feel more prepared, this is a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take the first steps - at your own pace.
Included with registration is a take-home “Keep Calm and Prepare Kit” (value $15).
Available for sale on the day will be a comprehensive End of Life Wishes Planning and Wishes Form.
Date: Tuesday 24 March
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Godfrey Street Community House, 9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh, VIC 3204Cost: $30.00
Book your place:
📞 Call (03) 9557 9037Places are limited.
✨✨✨ Forthcoming events ✨✨✨
Presentations & workshops tailored to your audience
Each session is thoughtfully tailored to suit the needs and interests of your group.
Popular topics include:
What does an End-of-Life Doula do?
Advance Care Planning: A gentle introduction
What Matters Most: Values-based conversations about ageing and dying
Discussing legacy options and what your legacy will be
Supporting families through sudden death
To discuss a tailored presentation or workshop, please contact Melanie or call 0406 622 091.
Previous events:
Melanie has exhibited and presented at a wide range of venues throughout Melbourne, including:
Crafted Conversations - Jewellery making and end-of-life planning info - Nov 2025
Care Expo 2025 – Exhibitor at Care Expo
Godfrey Street Community House – Dying to Know Day - come and ask your questions
U3A Hawthorn – “What does an End of Life Doula do?”
Vermont South Neighbourhood House – Advance Care Plan Workshops
BlueCross Livingstone Gardens – “What Matters to You Most” Workshop for residents, families and staff
Wheelers Hill Lions Club – Community Presentation
🌟 See feedback from past participants on the Testimonials page.
“Planning Ahead” workshop - Godfrey Street Community House in Sep 2025.
Crafted Conversations - with Despina and Storm at Gilded Poppy in Nov 2025
Photos from Care Expo 2025:
The Care Expo presented a fabulous opportunity to talk to so many people about services that can be provided to reduce burden and overwhelm!
If you're interested in hosting a workshop or presentation, get in touch with Melanie - she'd love to chat about how she can support your group.