Episode 12 – Faith, Autonomy and the Right to Die

Rev Dr Anna Grant-Henderson, a Uniting Church minister, reflects on her journey toward supporting VAD, shaped by personal experiences, parish ministry, and theological insights. Anna shares her role in supporting a congregant through VAD, her views on pastoral care, and the varied positions of diff…

Episode 11 – What most Australians still don’t know about voluntary assisted dying

Ben White is Professor of End-of-Life Law and Regulation at QUT’s Australian Centre for Health Law Research. With over 200 publications and $45 million in research funding, his work focuses on voluntary assisted dying (VAD), law reform, and end-of-life decision-making.  Ben discusses the slow road…

Episode 10 - The Buddhist Lens on Voluntary Assisted Dying

Letting go – of control, fear, and clinging – is not a failure, but a path to peace, compassion, and deep spiritual clarity at the end of life.  Carol Perry, a teacher with Melbourne Insight Meditation, brings over 45 years of experience in the Insight (Vipassana) tradition of Buddhism. Carol expl…

Episode 9 - Dignity in Dying: Reflections From VAD Care Navigators

Tianna and Kate both work within South Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) service. Tianna, a VAD liaison officer, and Kate, a VAD care navigator, assist individuals navigating the VAD process. They discuss the support they provide, from initial inquiries to coordinating assessments and ensu…

Episode 8 — Eve

Eve’s mother, Marion, accessed voluntary assisted dying in 2023 after living with multiple chronic health conditions. Eve reflects on her mother’s resilience, selflessness, and determination to maintain control over her life despite significant challenges. She also describes the difficulties they e…

Episode 7 - Rowan: “Love lasts longer than life”

Rowan’s mum Felicia, was born in a refugee camp before immigrating to Australia as a young child. Despite lifelong visual impairment Felicia went on to become a Professor of psychology at Cambridge University and a founder of the positive psychology movement. Felicia developed end stage breast canc…

Episode 6 - VAD progress & the road ahead

Despite much progress with voluntary assisted dying in Australia, challenges still exist, including the need for streamlined processes, expanded access, and support for healthcare professionals to ensure compassionate end-of-life care. Dr Linda Swan, CEO of Go Gentle Australia, shares her journey …

Episode 5 - Supporting families through the journey of VAD

Many families find it difficult to navigate the complexities of voluntary assisted dying (VAD).  That’s according to Jane Nosworthy and Kerrie Arthur. Jane is a Board member of Dying with Dignity Victoria. Jane brings to the board her lived experience of supporting a family member to access VAD, a…

Episode 4 – Carolyn

Carolyn, a long-time GP, shares her profound journey through medicine and palliative care, highlighting her dedication to voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Initially aspiring to be a vet, she pursued medicine, drawn by her fascination with the human body and her love for longitudinal care. Her experi…

Episode 3 - Alison

Alison's mother, Linda, was a long-term resident of South Australia, who decided to move to New South Wales in the final months of her life to be cared for by Alison and her husband.  NSW, like most Australian states  require an applicant for VAD to reside in the state for at least the previous twe…