Optional and Social Program
Alongside the conference program, Palliative Care Tasmania’s 2026 Conference, End-of-Life Ecosystem: The Power of Connection, features a series of optional and social functions designed to create additional opportunities to connect, celebrate and continue important conversations beyond the formal program.
From recognising excellence across Tasmania’s palliative care sector at the PCT Awards and Networking Function, to an intimate breakfast with Professor Samar Aoun AM exploring the Compassionate Connectors program, and a special movie screening, these events offer different ways to engage with colleagues, ideas and the broader conference community.
Tickets are required for each function and can be booked through the conference registration form. The PCT Awards and Networking Function is included for Full Conference delegates; all other functions are an additional cost. Delegates are also welcome to purchase additional tickets for guests, and you don’t need to be attending the conference to join us — tickets can be purchased for any of these events as standalone bookings or as part of the conference through the online registration form HERE.
For any queries please contact:
Naomi Will | EventSphere
naomi@eventsphere.com.au
0439 336 511
Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards & Networking Function
Celebrating Excellence, Compassion and Connection
Plenary Hall, Wrest Point
Wednesday 9 September | From 4:25pm
Included for Full Conference delegates | Additional and standalone tickets available for $60 per person
Join us for an evening of celebration and connection as the Tasmanian Palliative Care Awards are presented as part of the Palliative Care Tasmania Conference for the first time in 2026. Following the Awards ceremony there will be a cocktail networking function, with thanks to Sponsor Dementia Australia.
Now in their ninth year, the Awards recognise the individuals, teams, services and organisation’s making an outstanding contribution to palliative and end-of-life care across Tasmania — celebrating those who lead with compassion, drive innovation and make a meaningful difference to Tasmanians living with life-limiting illness, their families and communities.
Hosted by much-loved Australian writer, performer and advocate Jean Kittson, the evening will combine the Awards presentation with an opportunity to relax, network and connect with colleagues from across Tasmania’s palliative care sector and broader community.
Whether you are attending the Conference or joining us specifically for the Awards, we invite you to come together to recognise the people and stories that demonstrate the very best of palliative care in Tasmania.
Attendance is included for Full Conference delegates. Additional guest and standalone tickets can be purchased through the conference online registration form HERE
Breakfast with Professor Samar Aoun AM
Compassionate Connectors: Mobilising Communities to Support People at End of Life
Thursday 10 September | 8:00am – 9:00am
Tasman Room, Wrest Point
$75 per person, includes breakfast
Join internationally renowned palliative care researcher and compassionate communities leader Professor Samar Aoun AM for an intimate breakfast conversation exploring the award-winning Compassionate Connector Program.
Developed in response to the social isolation and support needs experienced by people living with life-limiting illness, the Compassionate Connector Program links individuals and families with trained community members (activated citizens) who help strengthen social networks and provide practical and emotional support. The program has demonstrated significant benefits in improving social connectedness, community capacity and in reducing hospital admissions.
Over breakfast, Professor Aoun will reflect on the journey of the Compassionate Connector Program, sharing highlights, challenges and key learnings from its implementation and growth. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas about fostering compassionate communities in their own settings.
This exclusive breakfast session is ideal for leaders, practitioners, volunteers, researchers, policymakers and community advocates interested in strengthening compassionate communities and advancing public health approaches to palliative care, caregiving, dying, grief and bereavement.
Places are strictly limited and advance booking is essential – please book via the conference online registration form HERE
