Melinda Norris, born and raised in the 70's in Melbourne (Narrn) suburbia, had a far from a typical suburban upbringing. Both her parents, who were immigrants to Australia, kept their family traditions, such as homesteading and growing their food;  we now know these practices as permaculture.

One very important tradition that held strong in the family was caring at home for the young, the old, and the dying. And having had a number of near-death experiences herself, Melinda has a familiarity and reverence for the terrain and the journey that we all must take someday. With a curious nature, she was destined for adventure and has lived a full life, exploring, creating, and travelling.

Professionally, Melinda is best known as a Festival and Event Producer, Arts Worker, and, more recently, a Tiny House Builder. Today, she’s here to discuss a deeply personal topic that resonates with many—our relationship with death and dying.

She is a death Doula, a term that means helper, who facilitates, guides, and emotionally supports families. Melinda is a bridge to allay fears, communicate expectations, and gently guide individuals towards grace and peace during the dying journey. Through stories and wisdom from her ongoing reverence for this profound subject, Melinda offers a unique perspective on a conversation increasingly present in the global collective.

SHOW NOTES:

For care and support regarding end of (this) life care, feel free to call Melinda Norris 0400 798 425

Resources / practical - GOVERNMENT

• QLD Public trustee: https://www.pt.qld.gov.au/ 

• The office Public Advocacy:  https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/public-advocate

• Government Age Care Commission:  https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/ 

• Aged Care Guides: https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/what-about-complaints 

Resources / practical  - NON GOVERNMENT

• https://www.gentle-conversations.com/
• https://www.gatheredhere.com.au/
• https://tenderfunerals.com.au/ 
• https://held.org.au/ 
• https://www.willed.com.au/guides/living-wills-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important/ 

Local meet up: Gentle ConversationsCommunity Conversations  about living and dying at Limberlost Nursery Stratford 1.30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month Leanne B: 0428 160 863  Leanne: 0407 277 385

Books & Films:

• Die Wise, Stephen Jenkinson https://orphanwisdom.com/

• Sacred Death Care, Dr Sarah Kerr  https://sacreddeathcare.com/ 

• On ScreenSBS:  The Last Goodbye - 3-part series with Ray Martin https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story/series/2022/video/NC2202Q016S00 

• ABC Australian Story: A Community Undertaking: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story/series/2022/video/NC2202Q016S00 

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