Our Story
Dying to Know Day was originally an initiative of The Groundswell Project Australia co-founder Dr Kerrie Noonan and collaborator Nicole Endacott and was inspired by Igniting Change and their popular book ‘Dying to Know’.
Dying to Know Day (D2KDay) was launched in 2013, and it takes place annually on August 8th. It is a day of action, to encourage open and honest conversations about death and dying across Australia. Its purpose is to challenge the silence around these topics and empower individuals to take control of their end-of-life decisions. By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, D2KDay aims to make discussions about mortality more approachable and less stigmatised, helping people feel confident in making their own plans for the future. And, the campaign is more than just a ‘day’, It is a transformational campaign born out of significant, strategic work focusing on ensuring that people have access to a good death and that their wishes are at the forefront for others. The goal has always been to ensure that those who face the end of their lives have their own wishes and experiences honoured by those who care, including the community within which they live.
In 2021, Proveda (formerly Community Care Northern Beaches), successfully merged with The Groundswell Project, proudly integrating this important program, building more capability to deliver compassion, from beginning to end of life. For Proveda, it adds a strong layer of rich, experience and understanding towards assisting end of life planning and bereavement.
It has an important role as part of our broader Proveda program of work to support people address end of life more consciously and constructively. Our end of life resources, events and education programs help people find practical tools and resources, removing awkwardness or barriers (like fear), around end of life conversations, for those affected.