HOW and when we die can be as mysterious as our own births. Dying to Know Day, on August 8, aims to debunk some of that mystery.
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Now in its seventh year, the annual event encourages conversation and planning about dying and grief.
"We want to build death literacy," Dying to Know Day spokeswoman Holly Rankin-Smith said.
More than 600 events have been organised across Australia for the day. In Tasmania, there is a screening of the film, Tender, about natural burials and funerals, with a discussion after.
Miscarriages and losing a baby will be discussed by experts and lay people at a special meeting to be held in Darwin.
There's a wall memorial on display in Denmark, Western Australia, where people can share their stories about a loved one who has died.
"We hope these events will start conversations about death and dying," Ms Rankin-Smith said.
"Having plans in place makes our deaths far simpler for those left behind."
The charity's website has resource kits helping individuals with the above. It includes a "final checklist", detailing final documents, and an "emotional will", which addresses your legacy.
A death checklist:
- Up-to-date will
- Consider a power of attorney/enduring guardian
- Legal guardian for children
- Dying at hospital or home
- Write an advanced care directive
- Think about a funeral
- Burial or cremation
