National Palliative Care Week | 10–16 May 2026

National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) is an opportunity for communities across Australia to talk openly about palliative care and what matters most when living with serious illness.

This year’s theme, Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers., encourages earlier, honest conversations so people can feel more confident, informed and supported – well before they need palliative care.

At Ballarat Hospice Care, we see every day how powerful these conversations can be.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is focused on quality of life. It supports people living with serious illness by managing symptoms, providing emotional and practical support, and helping individuals and families navigate complex decisions.

Importantly, palliative care is not only for the very end of life. It can be provided alongside other treatments, at any stage of illness, and is centred on what matters most to each person.

Why starting the conversation early matters

Talking about palliative care early allows people time to:

• Ask questions and understand their options
• Make decisions based on their values, preferences and priorities
• Share their wishes with family, carers and healthcare teams

When conversations happen early, people feel more in control and less overwhelmed, and care can be better aligned with what matters most to them.

How Ballarat Hospice Care is supporting National Palliative Care Week

To mark National Palliative Care Week, Ballarat Hospice Care will be hosting and supporting a range of community activities designed to raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations.

• Information session at Grampians Health Ballarat Cancer Wellness Centre (BRICC)
  Wednesday 11 May, 11.00am
  Join us for an information session to learn more about palliative care, ask questions, and access resources.
• Information table at Grampians Health Ballarat Hospital
  Monday 11 – Friday 15 May, 10am – 12pm (daily)
  In collaboration with Gandarra, our team will be available at the information table throughout the week, sharing resources on palliative care.
• Ballarat Hospice Care Op Shop
  During National Palliative Care Week, our Ballarat Hospice Care Op Shop will also be helping to spark conversation. Customers can enjoy goodies and access information about palliative care.

Let’s get to the heart of it

Ballarat Hospice Care is proud to support National Palliative Care Week 2026 and to stand with our community in encouraging understanding, openness and choice around palliative and end‑of‑life care.

We encourage everyone to use National Palliative Care Week as a moment to start – or continue – conversations with loved ones about what matters most.

You can find out more information, tools and advice from Palliative Care Australia at www.palliativecare.org.au

Together, let’s get to the heart of what matters most.