Death Café

Death Café is a facilitated gathering that offers a welcoming, informal space for open conversation about death, dying, and mortality, over tea and coffee.

Following an internationally recognised model, this session brings people together in small groups to talk, listen and reflect. There is no agenda and no expectation to speak. Conversations are gently supported by trained facilitators, allowing participants to engage in ways that feel comfortable and respectful.

Rather than offering instruction or expertise, Death Café encourages curiosity, shared stories and thoughtful discussion, helping to normalise conversations about death and reduce isolation around a topic often avoided.

This event runs in conjunction with Dearly Departed: death in life, State Library’s exhibition drawing on rich collections of objects and stories to explore how social, cultural, spiritual, historical and political forces have shaped Queenslanders’ attitudes to death and dying. Attendees are encouraged to visit the exhibition before or after the event to deepen their engagement with its themes and artworks.

Credit: Death Café was founded by Jon Underwood, based on the work of Bernard Crettaz. deathcafe.com/

Content note

This event engages with themes of death, dying, memory and remembrance. Content may include personal stories or discussion that some people may find emotionally affecting. You’re welcome to participate at your own pace and to step away or take a break at any time.

Some events may also include references to people who have since passed, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Image: Funeral of Waysl Holojad, first conductor of the Ukrainian Association of Queensland Choir, South Brisbane Cemetery, Dutton Park, 1952, 1952, unidentified, 31360 Roman and Alexandra Pavlyshyn papers, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 31360-0009-0008.