Annual Report
2024-25
Design by Marcus Lee, a proud Aboriginal
descendant of the Karajarri people from
North Western Australia.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Grief Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners
of the country throughout Australia and their unbreakable connections they hold to this
land, its waters, and its community—a connection that has endured through countless
generations. We honour their Elders, past and present, whose wisdom and guidance
continue to shape and sustain their culture. We also bear witness to the deep grief
carried by their people, born of injustice and loss, and are moved by their extraordinary
strength, resilience, and spirit in the face of these enduring hardships.
Table of
Contents
About Grief Australia
Statement of Purpose
Mission Statement
Diversity Statement
Board Chair
6
CEO Report
8
Funding Acknowledgments
10
Service Delivery
12
Financial Summary
18
Media & Communications
20
Acknowledgements
24
Board of Directors’ Report
29
Grief Australia acknowledges
the support of the Victorian
Government.
Annual Report 2024-25 / 1
About
Grief Australia
Grief Australia is an independent, not-for-
profit organisation striving to change the way
Australia lives with grief. We are the leading
voice on grief in Australia, providing evidence-
informed counselling, training and research to
collectively strengthen the nation’s response
to grief. We believe that by leading with
empathy, courage, curiosity and compassion,
we can live and learn together, and a greater
understanding of grief will become possible.
Grief Australia was established in 1996 to provide a
range of education, training, research and professional
service options for those working in the area of grief and
bereavement.
Opportunities are available for those working with grieving
people and for members of the community to attend
seminars, workshops and courses, undertake clinical work
placements and receive supervision. Customised training,
consultation and tailored solutions are also available to
organisations on issues of grief, loss and bereavement.
Grief Australia is funded by the Department of Health to
provide a state-wide specialist bereavement service for
individuals, children and families who need assistance
following the death of someone close to them. A range of
specialist services and programs are provided, including
face-to-face and telehealth bereavement counselling,
a range of support groups, written resource material
and newsletters, an annual ceremony of remembrance,
a bereavement information and referral service for the
general public, and an advice and consultation service for
workers in other settings. Volunteers are integral to the
delivery of the wide range of services we provide.
2 / Grief Australia
Statement
of Purpose
1.
Develop and provide a range of specialist interventions
and innovative education services, informed by
evidence-based practice, for grieving people who are at
risk of adverse outcomes.
2. Provide grief education and a range of consultancy
services to develop and enhance the capacity of
individuals, organisations and communities to deal
effectively with loss.
3. Provide grief and bereavement counselling training
and supervision through the placement of practitioners
within the GA Counselling and Support Service and
other settings as deemed appropriate.
4. Build the capacity of universal health services to provide
bereavement support and responses.
5. Provide advocacy and representation on grief and
bereavement issues to inform policy development, raise
community awareness and support universal access to
mainstream grief and bereavement services.
6. Undertake research, program evaluation, public policy
development and the production of evidence-based
publications and resources to enhance grief and
bereavement knowledge and practice.
7. Maintain cooperative links with relevant state, national
and international groups and organisations in relation
to grief and bereavement.
8. Promote, develop and monitor competence in
bereavement practice.
9. Collect and raise funds for the promotion of the
preceding purposes and objects of Grief Australia.
10. Do such things as may be incidental or conducive to the
attainment of the purposes and objects set out in our
Constitution.
11. Embrace other purposes and objects as may be
decided by the Board from time to time.
Annual Report 2024-25 / 3
Mission
Statement
We support grieving Australians through advocacy
and evidence-informed practice and education.
Values
Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are our strengths. They allow us to
connect with each other on a powerful level, in meaningful ways,
supporting each other to see a better future. The journey of grief is
universal, but everyone’s experience is unique. By keeping empathy
and compassion at the heart of all we do we create safe and
nourishing spaces for people to grow.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Our world is a colourful one where all the elements of complex and
interesting lives come together. We encourage diversity of people,
diversity of thought, and diversity of experiences, knowing that our
world is richer for it. Along with love, grief is the most powerful and
transformative shared experience of the human condition.
Excellence and Inquisitiveness
We are an organisation that values continuous learning. Our team,
students and clients are encouraged to liberate their curiosity and
explore new ways to approach problems. Our research and work
are fuelled by our high standards; to find novel and more effective
ways of working and thinking, We do not withhold our expertise
from anyone, and we learn and grow together. We believe everyone
should have access to the help they need in their grief experience.
4 / Grief Australia
Diversity
Statement
Our world is a colourful one, with a myriad of
people and experiences from all walks of life.
Grief Australia welcomes and values diversity
of people, thought and experience, knowing
that our world is richer for it.
Grief is experienced by all people regardless of ability, age,
culture, gender, race and/or sexual identity. Different and
intersectional cultural identities can profoundly influence
how people process, express and seek support for their
grief. Grief Australia’s commitment to diversity is at the
heart of our values: diversity, inclusivity, empathy and
compassion. It allows us to connect on a meaningful and
powerful level, helping each other to envisage a better
future and create safe and nourishing spaces to grow. We
celebrate our differences and strive to build a workplace
where differences are embraced and encouraged.
Our commitment to diversity has been recently expressed
through our Reconciliation Action Plan and our work on
LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Grief Australia is dedicated to developing and building
relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and
working to improve outcomes and access to quality grief and
bereavement care for people, families and communities.
We know these relationships will change and enrich our
organisation and help us support Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples more effectively. We strive to be an
organisation that is inclusive and welcoming of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whether they are clients,
students, employees or visitors.
Grief Australia is proud to support all lesbian, gay, bisexual,
trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQA+)
staff, clients and communities. We are committed to making
our services welcoming, safe and respectful for everyone.
We acknowledge that some members of our LGBTIQA+
community/s have experienced discrimination, social
isolation, family exclusion, bullying, harassment and anxiety.
We know that people can delay or forego assistance or
support due to not feeling safe or genuinely listened to
when seeking help. This can result in an adverse impact on a
person’s health and wellbeing.
Annual Report 2024-25 / 5
Board Chair
Report
This year has reaffirmed the profound importance of Grief
Australia’s mission — to help Australians understand grief,
support those living with loss, and educate communities
about its lifelong impact. As the need for compassionate,
informed grief support continues to grow, our role in
enhancing public awareness and developing professional
capacity has never been more vital.
Throughout the year the Board remained focused on
advancing Grief Australia on behalf of our members,
clients, and the broader community we serve. We continue
to ensure that the organisation is governed with integrity,
transparency, and accountability — so that every decision
supports our mission and strengthens our future.
A key priority was further enhancing our strong governance
foundations. This has been particularly important as we
progress toward the establishment of our Registered
Training Organisation (RTO). Becoming an RTO represents
both a significant opportunity and a serious responsibility.
We recognise that RTO status brings increased
performance and compliance obligations, and we have
worked diligently to ensure the organisation is well-
prepared to meet these expectations.
Once established, our RTO will serve two vital purposes:
it will strengthen Grief Australia’s financial sustainability
and, equally importantly, help meet the growing demand
for skilled grief practitioners across Australia. This initiative
will extend our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that
individuals and communities receive high-quality, evidence-
based support in times of loss.
During the year, we farewelled Ella McDougall, whose
insights and commitment have enriched the Board’s work,
and we welcomed Dr Jane Mowll who brings valuable
expertise and a fresh perspective.
On a personal note, I will conclude my time on the Board
and as Chair at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. It has
been a privilege to serve for five years — the first two as
Secretary and the past three as Chair. The Board has put in
place a transition plan to ensure a smooth handover to my
successor, maintaining continuity and stability during this
period of change.
6 / Grief Australia
I extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Board members
for their commitment, wisdom, and support. It has been an
honour to work alongside a team so dedicated to good
governance and to the advancement of our mission.
Above all, I remain inspired by the extraordinary dedication
of our staff and volunteers, whose compassion and
professionalism bring our mission to life every day. Their
work changes lives — offering understanding, care, and
hope to grieving Australians.
As I step down, I do so with deep gratitude and enduring
confidence in Grief Australia’s direction. The organisation
stands on strong foundations, guided by purpose, and
ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Robert Law
Board Chair
Annual Report 2024-25 / 7
CEO
Report
It is with genuine gratitude and heartfelt pride that I present
the CEO Report for 2024–2025, a year in which Grief Australia
not only expanded our national reach and impact but
deepened our connection to the values that shape everything
we do: empathy, compassion, inclusion and excellence.
Grief is universal, and yet too often it remains unspoken,
unseen, unsupported. This past year, we have continued to
illuminate grief. Guiding individuals, families, communities,
professionals and policymakers through one of life’s most
profound human experiences.
We do this with purpose and integrity, driven by a belief that
grieving people deserve to be understood, respected, and
supported. This belief has anchored every aspect
of our work, from service delivery to systems advocacy;
from research to reform and from local communities to
national conversations.
In 2024–25, Grief Australia became more
visible and vital than ever before.
Our organisation was increasingly sought out by national
media to comment on pressing health and social issues,
securing coverage across radio, television and print.
We promoted thought leadership in complex and emerging
areas, including the use of artificial intelligence in grief
support; bereavement following Voluntary Assisted Dying;
miscarriage; loneliness; the death of residents within
public housing, and system-wide grief following major
traumatic events.
At the heart of our work is our growing national
membership: over 45 organisations and nearly 1,000
individual members spanning every state and territory. This
rich, diverse network of government agencies, palliative
care services, health professionals, researchers, carers and
community leaders continues to shape our direction and
deepen our insight.
8 / Grief Australia
This year, we launched a new Member Engagement
Strategy, designed to honour the contributions and voices
of our members and ensure that we remain responsive,
collaborative and inclusive. Through webinars, forums,
tailored communications, and consultations, we fostered
open dialogue and created meaningful spaces for feedback
and shared learning.
We continued to influence systems-level change through
evidence-informed, people-centred policy advocacy.
Our many submissions to Commonwealth and State
inquiries were not just grounded in research, but in the lived
experience of those we serve.
We promoted thought leadership on grief as a public health
issues, advocating for recognition of bereavement within
mental health policy, social support systems, aged care and
health workforce wellbeing. This work remains at the core of
our mission: ensuring Australia’s grief response is not only
compassionate but coordinated and equitable.
As we expand, we remain bravely curious. Willing to
question, learn and grow. Internally, we made strong
progress on several key initiatives:
• We began the redevelopment of our accredited training
programs, working towards formal accreditation as a
Registered Training Organisation.
• We launched a new Member Engagement Strategy,
directly informed by member feedback and designed to
deepen our relationships and responsiveness.
• Strengthened our internal systems and governance
frameworks to ensure we remain accountable,
transparent and sustainable.
• Deepened our commitment to cultural safety, inclusion
and accessibility, especially for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ communities, and
those experiencing structural disadvantage.
As the national authority on grief, our policy engagement
and research influence continued to grow. Over the past
year, we made significant contributions to state and federal
government inquiries, policy consultations and expert
panels. Our submissions were grounded in best available
evidence and international standards, reflecting our
commitment to clinical rigour and relevance.
We also expanded our proactive communications,
with strong growth in website traffic and social media
engagement. These platforms allowed us to amplify our
messages and engage more Australians in the national
conversation about grief and bereavement.
Our advocacy remains grounded in the principle that
grieving people must shape the systems designed to
support them. Consumers should not be passive recipients
of care. They must have influence across all stages of
policy design, service implementation and evaluation. This
commitment continues to guide our strategic direction.
I am truly thankful to our Board of Directors, under the
leadership of the Chair, Robert Law, for their steady
guidance and clear strategic vision throughout the year.
Their combined wisdom, experience and wholehearted
commitment have been a cornerstone of Grief Australia’s
evolution and impact. Their leadership empowers us to
remain focused on our mission while continuing to grow with
integrity and purpose.
We are also fortunate to have the support of our members,
funders and stakeholders, whose belief in our work and
willingness to partner with us help drive everything we do.
Grief Australia thrives because of the community we are
privileged to be part of.
To our executive team, I extend my heartfelt thanks. This
year, we were fortunate to welcome Bianca Lavorgna as
Manager, Clinical Practice and Education. Bianca’s deep
clinical expertise, calm presence and collaborative leadership
have already made a profound contribution to the quality
and integrity of our services. Alongside Geoff Wakefield,
whose skills, dedication and passion continue to drive
our operational success, Bianca is helping shape the next
chapter of our organisation with great care and purpose.
Annual Report 2024-25 / 9
I would also like to thank Kate Foreman, my Executive
Assistant, for her unwavering professionalism, good humour
and tireless support. Her quiet contributions behind the
scenes make so much of our visible work possible.
And to the entire Grief Australia team, thank you. Each of
you brings not only your professional expertise, but your
humanity. You embody our values, warmly welcoming, humbly
knowledgeable, bravely curious and confidently collaborative,
in every conversation, every consultation, every moment of
support you offer. Your work makes a difference, and your
impact is felt far beyond the walls of our offices.
Together, we are building a more grief-literate,
compassionate and connected Australia.
Together, we have delivered transformative initiatives.
Empowering communities, strengthening the sector and
advancing inclusive, systemic change.
In 2026, Grief Australia will mark 30 years since our founding.
It’s a moment of reflection and of renewed commitment.
While much has changed in that time, our purpose remains
unchanged: to be a guiding voice through grief.
We do this by listening deeply, speaking boldly, and staying
true to our values:
• Empathy and Compassion in every interaction
• Diversity and Inclusion in every space we create
• Excellence and Accountability in every service we delive
As we enter this milestone year, our focus is clear: to shape
a nation that is not afraid to speak of grief, and that stands
ready to support those who carry its weight. Grief is universal,
yet its impacts are too often marginalised or overlooked in
health policy. We will continue to ensure that all Australians
have access to the support they need to navigate loss with
dignity and hope.
To our Board, staff, members, funders, and partners, thank
you. You have believed in our mission, contributed your
expertise and helped us extend our reach to those who need
us most.
Together, we are creating a more grief-literate, resilient, and
compassionate Australia. One where grief is not hidden in the
margins, but recognised as a shared human journey, worthy
of care and support.
Thank you for walking that path with us.
Chris Hall AM
Chief Executive Officer
Grief Australia
10 / Grief Australia
Funding
Acknowledgements
Grief Australia is funded by the
Victorian Department of Health
to provide a state-wide specialist
bereavement service for individuals,
children and families who need
assistance following the death of
someone close to them.
A range of specialist services and programs
are provided, including face-to-face and
telehealth bereavement counselling, a range
of support groups, written resource material,
an annual ceremony of remembrance, a
bereavement information and referral service
for the public, and an advice and consultation
service for workers in other settings.
Grief Australia has been engaged by
WorkSafe Victoria (WorkSafe) since 2021 to
provide bereavement support services to
families impacted by a work-related fatality.
Clients are referred to Grief Australia by
WorkSafe and, following an intake and
assessment, information about our service
is shared. Clients and allocated to a
bereavement practitioner within 24 hours.
The client can elect to receive support either
by attending the offices of Grief Australia, via
telehealth or by telephone.
Annual Report 2023-24 / 11
Clinical
Practice
Counselling & Support Service
Our Bereavement Counselling and Support Service
is committed to providing compassionate support to
individuals, children, and families who are experiencing
the deep sorrow that accompanies the death of someone
close. We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-
informed bereavement support programs available year-
round, ensuring that those in need receive the care and
assistance they require when they need it.
We understand the complex emotions that come with grief
and loss. Our compassionate bereavement counsellors
use their expertise to guide and support clients during
these challenging times. Operating in a nurturing clinical
environment, our team consists of professionals from
various disciplines, including psychology, social work, and
counselling. This collaborative approach ensures that we
provide comprehensive and integrated care and support
for those navigating bereavement.
Grief Australia provides a comprehensive state-wide
Bereavement Counselling and Support Service for Victorian
residents. Free to all Victorians, our team of specialised
bereavement counsellors offers individual counselling and
support group services at our Mulgrave office. Additionally,
we provide telehealth and telephone counselling services
through a secure digital health platform for those who need
remote support nationwide. We are committed to supporting
all individuals through their bereavement journey with
professionalism, empathy and care.
Our impact during 2024-2025
The Bereavement Counselling and Support Service (BCSS)
provided a comprehensive range of services designed to
support individuals and groups dealing with grief and loss.
These services included:
Education
Number
Participants
Webinars
197
Online Workshops
11
Customised Training
30
355
Service
Number clients
Sessions
BCSS
New clients 321
2930
Support Groups
360
49
WorkSafe
33
309
Individual Counselling
Clients receive personalised support to help them navigate
their grief journey and address any ongoing challenges that
may complicate the healing process. Our dedicated clinical
team, consisting of experienced grief and bereavement
informed professionals, volunteer practitioner associates, and
interns, provide tailored grief support. Each counsellor is trained
and supervised specifically to manage the unique emotional
complexities associated with grief and bereavement.
12 / Grief Australia
Bereavement Support Groups
Our service delivered a comprehensive selection of both
open and closed bereavement support groups tailored to
address diverse needs and experiences
These groups included:
- Bereaved Fathers Support Group
- Growing Around Loss Support Group
- Younger Bereaved Partners Support Group
- People Experiencing Animal Loss (PALS) Group
- Parents Remembrance Support Group
- Talking Grief Support Group
- Bereavement at the Bar Support Group
Clinical Supervision and Professional Support
We provided clinical supervision, secondary consultations,
and debriefing support for external health professionals.
This service is designed to enhance the competencies
of professionals engaged in grief and bereavement
counselling.
Information and Resource Requests
We aim to empower people with the knowledge and tools
they need to offer compassionate and evidence-informed
assistance, ensuring that those impacted by grief receive
timely and accessible support. We engage actively with
a diverse range of individuals, groups, and organizations,
offering a comprehensive suite of professional resources
tailored to the needs of those working in the field of grief
and bereavement.
WorkSafe Victoria
Since 2021, Grief Australia has been partnering with
WorkSafe Victoria to provide Bereavement Support
Services to families affected by work-related fatalities.
All clients referred by WorkSafe are assigned a dedicated
Specialist Grief Practitioner within 24 hours. They receive
personalised information and resources to help them
navigate the emotional and practical challenges they face.
Annual Report 2024-25 / 13
Education
& Training
Training, Education and
Professional Development
Our training and educational programs are designed to
provide ongoing education and professional growth for
health professionals working with grief and bereavement.
We offer a comprehensive series of advanced training
sessions and workshops that cover the latest research, best
practices, and innovative approaches to grief counselling.
We develop evidence-informed, customized training to
meet the specific needs and goals of organisations.
Our training courses are tailored to suit employers and
employees, including frontline workers, healthcare service
providers, government agencies, and private enterprises.
Grief Australia -
Deepening the Dialogue Conference
This year marked the return of the Grief Australia
Conference, a long-awaited gathering that reaffirmed
our commitment to advancing grief and bereavement
support nationwide. Held alongside our members-only
event, the conference drew strong attendance 85 members
participated in the exclusive session, and 111 delegates
joined the broader conference.
The event provided a vital platform to showcase
international advances in the field of grief and
bereavement, share emerging insights, and strengthen our
organisational profile. It was warmly received by attendees
and sector peers, working towards our mission as the
leading voice in grief and bereavement in Australia.
Beyond presentations, the conference fostered meaningful
connections across the sector, opening pathways for
collaboration, referral, and shared learning. The return of
the Grief Australia Conference was not only a celebration of
our collective progress, but a catalyst for future innovation
and partnership.
Research and Evaluation
Grief Australia is dedicated to leading contemporary
research and ensuring that our clinical and educational
services are effective and innovative.
Since 2018, we have
adopted Feedback Informed
Treatment (FIT), an
evidence- based approach
designed to evaluate
and enhance our service
effectiveness.
By implementing FIT, we have successfully tailored our
care to meet the unique needs of each client, resulting
in improved clinical outcomes and a more personalised
therapeutic experience.
14 / Grief Australia
Annual Report 2024-25 / 15
Our impact during
the 2024-2025 year
Point of Contact
Grief Australia’s new rebranded website, grief.org.au
was launched early in 2023 financial year as part of our
transition to Grief Australia. The website continues to
attract local and international interest and serves as an
important point of contact for grieving people and those
seeking grief and bereavement training.
Website
During the 2024-2025 financial year, there were 142,963
visits to the Grief Australia website.
Social Media
During the 2024-2025 financial year, Grief Australia
continued to build its digital footprint using LinkedIn,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. These
platforms allow our organisation to connect and
communicate with the public, health professionals and
other organisations locally and globally.
Also in this period, Grief Australia registered 7,660 followers
on its corporate Facebook page, an increase of 4.3%
from the last financial year. Data indicates that 89.9% of
our followers are female, and 10.1% male. The largest age
group are those aged between 45-54 years of age. In
addition, 88.1% of followers are from Australia, followed
by the USA. Nationally, Facebook visits are most typically
represented by a Victorian audience, followed by New
South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South
Australian visitors.
Grief Australia also experienced growth in the LinkedIn
social media platform, with followers increasing by 51.7% to
1,528. X (formerly Twitter) followers remain steady at 1,048.
176,983
Vists to our
website up 23.8%
2,930
Hours of individual
counselling
309
Support sessions for
WorkSafe clients
360
Group Program
Participants
Different types of
Webinars, workshops
& online courses
>355
Participants in our
Customised Training
Workshops
>49
Support Group
Sessions
30
Customised
Training Workshops
16 / Grief Australia
Annual Report 2023-24 / 17
Financial
Summary
Comprehensive income of $2.9 million for
20245-2025 represents a 9.5% increase
revenue over the previous year. Most of this
increase coming from a donation of $225,000.
A 14.3% reduction in expenditure was achieved against
expenditure for the previous financial year. This in part
reflects the winding down of the COVID Aged Care
Program. The net result was a deficit for 2024-2025
of $65,527.
The investment into the organisation over the last twelve
months whilst producing a deficit, has put Grief Australia
well on the way to relaunch our RTO education program.
Whilst we have accessed our reserves to reinvest into the
organisation, we remain in a very strong financial position
with a current ratio of 7.30:1.00. A current ratio of 2.00:1.00
generally being considered as acceptable.
18 / Grief Australia