Keeping up with the PaSCE

In this International Men’s Day (19 Nov 2025) episode, we’re Celebrating Men and Boys with Matt Oke, facilitator at Kai-Fella, a WA charity working to prevent youth suicide and build emotional resilience. Matt shares his journey from international athlete and DJ to mental-health advocate — and how learning to open up helped him guide young men to do the same.A truly inspirational and dedicated young man. 👉 kai-fella.com.au

This year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day falls on October 11, uniting communities worldwide to celebrate, reflect, and call for universal access to quality palliative care.More than 60 million people need palliative care globally, yet access remains unequal, even in developed countries. I sat down with Ed Gaudian, a leader in WA palliative care, to reflect on this year’s theme. Ed’s career has spanned emergency, ICU, hospice innovation and statewide consultancy. His first encounter with palliative care was transformative: “I viewed it from a new lens… clinical teams putting the patient first.”He’s seen the field evolve from an oncology focus to supporting people with complex, diverse needs. But despite progress, system navigation and funding pressures remain major barriers, with many patients falling through the cracks.New aged care standards are raising expectations for residential facilities to deliver quality end-of-life care. Ed sees this as a positive shift, supported by stronger education, community awareness and teamwork.He reminds us that often, “it’s the smallest things that matter.” From arranging final wishes to simple acts of comfort, person-centred care is built on human connection.This World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, let’s celebrate providers, share stories, and advocate for equitable access — so that quality palliative care truly reaches everyoneReferences: Palliative Care WAHome - Ambulance Wish Western AustraliaMPaCCS (Palliative Care Consultancy Service) - Bethesda Health Care

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Hannah Brown from R U OK?We dive into the history of the organisation, the importance of R U OK? Day, and—most importantly—how to start meaningful conversations that can make a real difference.If you’d like to learn more or access resources, head to www.ruok.org.au.

On today’s episode of Keeping Up with the PaSCE, I sit down with Shane Bailey to explore the powerful and often misunderstood role of a death doula/end of life doula. We talk about what it means to hold space at the end of life, the emotional and spiritual aspects of her work, her reception from health services, and how Shane came to embrace this unique path.

In today’s episode, PaSCE manager Timothy sits down with Glen Poole, CEO of the Australian Men's Health Forum, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about men’s health.We explore the importance of having conversations - at the individual, cultural, and systems level, while unpacking stigma, shifting mindsets, and everything in between.Whether you're supporting the men in your life or reflecting on your own experiences and parenting, this episode offers genuine insights and practical takeaways.This conversation aligns with Men’s Health Week (9–15 June), highlighting the need for greater awareness, connection, and action around men’s wellbeing.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on National Volunteer Week 2025, Australia’s largest annual celebration of the people powering our communities. With this year’s theme, “Something for Everyone,” I’m joined by Joy and Melinda, two incredible members of the CCWA team who generously volunteer their time to support guests in the lodges. We dive into their motivations, personal experiences, and the meaningful takeaways they gain from giving back. It’s a heartfelt conversation that highlights just how powerful and rewarding volunteering can be. Enjoy!

March 17-23rd, 2025 is National Advance Care Planning Week – your reminder to plan ahead for your healthcare wishes. It's about ensuring your loved ones know exactly what you want if you can't speak up. No one knows you better than you, right?Join me for a conversation with Sabena Lund and Julia Kennington from Palliative Care WA as they share their expertise on creating documents that reduce stress, offer peace of mind, and improve health outcomes – all while avoiding the dreaded “What would they want?” moment.

In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey through the passions and joys of the people in the CCWA office before transitioning into a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Lauren Breen. Together, we explore grief, loss, and bereavement—unpacking the ways we navigate these experiences and how we can honour and uphold the memory of those who are no longer physically with us.