Hosted by Palliative Care Queensland and proudly supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), this free event provides a compassionate, open space to explore and better understand the often-challenging topics surrounding death, dying, grief, and loss.
Held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) from 10am to 3pm, the expo serves community members, carers, families, and local service providers alike.
Throughout the day, a mini-forum of guest speakers will deliver practical insights into living well, planning ahead, and navigating local support systems.
Featured presenters include the Office of Advanced Care Planning, Mackay Funerals, NS Lawyers, and experts speaking on Paediatric Palliative Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
Attendees can also register for two unique, interactive sessions:
- Grief Support App Co-Design Workshop (10am–11:30am): Australians aged 60 and over can help shape a new AI-powered grief support app, receiving a $25 gift voucher as a thank-you for sharing their insights.
- Community Yarning Circle (1pm–2pm): A culturally safe and welcoming space focused on end-of-life journeys, local protocols, and traditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Running alongside the public exhibition is a specialised, case-focused education stream specifically designed for local healthcare workers. NQPHN is proud to support these sessions, which are tailored for nurses, GPs, allied health staff, aged care workers, pharmacists, and students.
The professional program includes:
- 11am and 12pm: PallConsult on Advance Care Planning, Symptom Management and Medications.
- 1pm: Blue Care on the barriers and challenges of palliative care in regional and remote areas.
- 2pm: Mackay Hospital and Health Service on recognising deterioration and the dying phase.
Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to count towards their professional learning.
While entry to the expo is free, seats for the workshops and professional education sessions are limited, making early registration highly recommended.
Event at a glance:
- Date: Saturday, 27 June 2026
- Time: 10am–3pm
- Venue: Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC), 258 Alfred St, Mackay
- Cost: Free
More info and registration: Visit Palliative Care Queensland.