Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Cemetery in Worrigee is hosting a community open day on Wednesday 12 August to help overcome the stigma and discomfort many people feel around death and dying.
The event is being held in conjunction with Dying to Know Day - a national campaign to encourage all Australians to develop new knowledge and attitudes about how to deal with death, bereavement and support each other at the end of life.
Mayor Patricia White said Council's Bereavement Services team were known for their compassion and care and were bringing the event back for a second year following its overwhelming success in 2025.
"Providing the community with the tools to have meaningful conversations about death aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their final wishes," Cr White said.
"At some point in our lives we will all be affected by the death of a loved one, so this is an opportunity to start to prepare for the inevitable with a sense of purpose, love and legacy," she said.
"I hope people will join us at the open day as we help to raise awareness, provide resources, and empower the community to talk more openly about what matters most."
This year's theme 'Nobody knows' is designed to highlight the importance of sharing end of life choices and not keeping wishes a secret.
Cemetery Open Day - Wednesday 12 August
The event runs from 10am until midday at the Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery at 349 Worrigee Road, Worrigee. At the event visitors can:
chat with the Bereavement Services team who support families, care for the grounds, manage burials, cremations, memorials and support families
hear about end-of-life choices and available options for burial and cremation
join the behind-the-scenes tour and explore areas not usually open to the public and learn how the cemetery operates
visit our memorial spaces for reflection and remembrance
meet local funeral directors
enjoy a cuppa.
Whether people are curious, planning ahead or simply want to understand more about what happens behind the scenes. This is a rare opportunity to explore and learn in a respectful, open environment.
