11 May 2026
Palliative care supports people of any age who are living with a life-limiting illness, including children and young people. It focuses on comfort, quality of life, and helping people stay connected to what matters most.
However, many people are unsure when palliative care may be appropriate, and conversations about future care are often delayed because they can feel emotional, confronting or difficult to begin.
National Palliative Care Week (NPCW) (10-16 May 2026) helps bring these conversations into the open. It is an opportunity to build understanding, encourage earlier planning, and connect people with reliable information, tools and support.
Led by Palliative Care Australia, this year’s theme, Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers., encourages people to explore palliative care in a more open and practical way. The theme is brought to life through three key focus areas:
- Living well, your way: focusing on comfort, quality of life, and staying connected to what matters
- Conversation changes everything: showing how starting the conversation can reduce uncertainty and support better planning and care
- The heart of care: highlighting care that feels personal, safe and respectful for individuals and families
Supporting clinicians to feel confident initiating conversations about palliative care and navigating available services is essential to improving outcomes for patients and families.
To help strengthen this, EMPHN has curated a selection of trusted resources to assist health professionals in delivering quality, person-centred palliative and end-of-life care.
Palliative care resources for health professionals
- Palliative Care Australia: campaign information, resources and tools to support conversations about palliative care
- Palliative Care Victoria: local resources, events and support services across Victoria
- Palliative care – EMPHN: information on EMPHN’s training, programs and resources
- Palliative care support services – EMPHN: directory of EMPHN supports and local programs
- Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM) – EMPHN: information on pharmacies stocking essential medicines to support patients receiving care at home
- Palliative and end-of-life care education for general practice: CPD-accredited training opportunities
- HealthPathways Melbourne: evidence-based clinical guidance and local referral options
Further support
If you would like to learn more about how EMPHN supports palliative care education for health professionals and general practice, please contact the team at palliativecare@emphn.org.au.
