Banksia Palliative Care Service

Home
Australia
Melbourne, VIC
Banksia Palliative Care Service

Banksia Palliative Care Service provides client and family centred care, which is active and supporti

31/12/2025

As we welcome a new year, we take a moment to honour all that the past twelve months have held - the joys, the challenges, and the memories of loved ones who remain close to our hearts.

We know this time of year can feel different for everyone. For some, it brings hope and possibility; for others, it may stir grief, reflection, or a quiet longing. Wherever you find yourself today, please know that Banksia is thinking of you with care and compassion.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Banksia throughout the year - our volunteers, donors, partners, and community. Your generosity and belief in our work make a profound difference to the people we care for.

Wishing you a gentle start to the year ahead, filled with moments of connection, comfort, and hope. 💛

29/12/2025

Join us for a free mindfulness and relaxation session online. These sessions are offered to create the space to pause, rest and recharge, with gentle guided meditation.

These sessions are offered each Tuesday @2.30pm online via zoom. Join from wherever you are. They are open to all Banksia carers and clients and every session is free.

Find the link to join the session on our website: https://banksiapalliative.com.au/mindfulness-and-relaxation-sessions-online/
Log in at 2.30pm and we'll see you there!

24/12/2025

On this Christmas Day, we know it can be a time of mixed emotions. For many in our community, this month brings not only moments of connection and celebration, but also memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.

At Banksia, we hold space for both joy and grief. We acknowledge the strength it takes to navigate this time of year when your heart may feel a little heavier. Please know you’re not alone - our team is here to walk alongside you, offering care, compassion, and support in whatever way you need.

Wishing everyone gentleness, comfort, and connection this Christmas. 💛

22/12/2025

At this time of year, when festivities are in full swing, grief can be triggered for those of us who are experiencing loss; loss of a normal way of life, because of a life limiting diagnosis, for ourselves or someone we love.

Dropping Anchor is a quick technique to regulate yourself when you feel overwhelmed by grief. It doesn’t take the grief away, but it might help you steady yourself during the emotional storm.

A – Acknowledge and accept your thoughts and feelings, without passing judgement.
C – Come back into your body: Connect with the feeling of being in your body (rather than your mind).
E – Engage in what you are doing: Notice what is going on around you

The Dropping Anchor technique was created by Russ Harris.

Banksia Palliative Care provides counselling services to our clients and their families.

If you need support over the holiday period, please get in touch with these services:
Grief Line: 1300 845 745
Life Line: 13 11 14
Grief Line Online Forums: https://griefline.org.au/forums/

For more tools to support you through the holidays visit our website: https://banksiapalliative.com.au/getting-through-the-holidays/

19/12/2025

At this time of year invitations to social gatherings can often put pressure on us to participate in festivities along with others. But some years we may not feel up for it, because we’re not well or don’t feel like socialising like we did in the past.

Taking the pressure off ourselves to participate in festivities in the same way we used to can be a compassionate thing to do during the holiday season. Others may not like it, but compromise is an important part of getting along with others.

At Banksia we invite you to put yourself at the centre of your choices and give yourself permission to be and do whatever is appropriate for you at this time.

If you were giving yourself permission to listen to what you need in this moment, you may hear things like this:

* It’s ok to give myself a break from holiday activities when I need it.
* It’s ok to be as sad or as happy as I like.
* It’s ok for others to be disappointed with what I’m willing to do. I can only do as much as I can and would like to.
* It’s ok to experiment with what feels right for me this year and for that to change in years to come.

If you need support over the holiday period, please get in touch with these services:
Grief Line: 1300 845 745
Life Line: 13 11 14
Grief Line Online Forums: https://griefline.org.au/forums/

18/12/2025

Setting your boundaries and communicating them is an important way to get through the holidays without pushing yourself to do things you don’t want to do. For each invitation you receive, take the time to consider: the place of the meeting, who will be there; and what level of participation will be expected from you.

Once you know these things, you can then decide on how you will choose to participate and to what level. Getting clear on this will show you what you are valuing in your life at this time and what you may need to communicate with others, to make your boundaries known.

Some examples could include:

“Thank you for inviting me! It sounds wonderful, but I won’t be able to attend this time. I’d love to be included in future gatherings, though.”

“I’d love to join you for dinner, but I’ll need to leave after two hours.”

“I’m excited to host this year, but I’ll be purchasing all the food instead of cooking. If you have specific preferences or dietary needs, feel free to bring something along!”

“I could use a short break – I’m going to take a quick walk. I’ll return shortly.”

“I’ll be driving separately in case I decide to leave before you’re ready.”

17/12/2025

Maintaining connections with the people you love when they’re gone is a healthy way of processing grief. The relationship with your person has changed, but some of the precious things you shared together can be preserved.

If you are experiencing loss during this festive season, we invite you to find ways of honouring the connection you share with your loved one.

You could do this by:

* Lighting a candle in their memory.
* Sharing a meal with their favourite holiday food.
* Looking at photos and keeping close mementos.
* Visiting a place that helps you feel close to them.

There is no one right way to remember your loved one. Be gentle with yourself as you find a way that works for you.

12/12/2025

Yesterday Banksia offered an end of year Remembrance Service to our carers who lost a loved one during the year.

This event is an opportunity for our carers to come together in community and share their loss with others who have also. Families are asked to bring a photo in a frame and light a candle for their beloved. We offer song, poetry and reflections on grief and loss. Its always a beautiful event, non-religious and open to all friends and family of Banksia's clients.

10/12/2025

Last week we celebrated Lisa RF and her remarkable seven years at Banksia. Happily, she’s not leaving us. just transitioning into a casual role (phew!).

Lisa (pictured left) has been an exceptional mentor to our staff and a truly wonderful nurse, bringing genuine compassion to every client and carer she supports. We know that whatever she chooses to put her heart and mind into next will be deeply meaningful and rewarding for all that she meets. We wish you love and luck Lisa! 🧡✨

09/12/2025

As the festive season approaches, consider donating to a local not-for-profit that truly gives back. 💛

Banksia Palliative Care supports people in Banyule, Nillumbik, and Whittlesea with free, expert end-of-life care. Every donated dollar goes directly to our clients - helping cover groceries, medical bills, equipment, and more.

A little extra can make a big difference.
💸 $60 = a medical bill
🚶‍♀️ $90 = a walking frame
🛏️ $2,500 = an adjustable bed

Donate today and support your local community https://banksiapalliative.com.au/support-us/ and click on the red ‘Online Donations’ button, or call us on 03 9455 0822.

Your generosity will make a difference to families living with a life-limiting illness.
Every donation over $2 is tax deductible.

Address

472 Lower Heidelberg Road
Melbourne, VIC
3084

Website

http://www.banksiapalliative.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Banksia Palliative Care Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Melbourne?