Advance Care Planning Week 2026 is a chance for all of us to help normalise conversations about future health care wishes and to empower people to plan ahead.
This year’s theme, “Your story, your choice,” highlights that advance care planning begins with the individual – their values, their preferences and their voice when it matters most.
So how do we spread the word?
We’ve put together some simple ideas to help you host an activity in your home, workplace or community. When you register your activity on our website, you’ll receive a free activity pack filled with resources to make hosting easy.
And don’t forget, there’s still time to enter our competition for a chance to win $200 towards catering for your activity!
Ideas for community-based activities
Host an Advance Care Planning Week-themed version of an existing gathering
Turn something you already do into an opportunity for meaningful conversation, whether it’s a family dinner, book club, sporting group or community meeting.
A simple show-and-tell before pizza night, or handing out conversation starters at book club, can open the door to connection and reflection.
Hold a morning or afternoon tea
Invite friends, family, colleagues or community members for a relaxed catchup. Put the kettle on, bring out some scones and use our free Advance Care Planning Week resources to start a gentle conversation about future health care preferences.
Share information and resources
Display Advance Care Planning Australia brochures and information at your workplace, library, community centre or club. You can also include information in your local newsletter or share posts on social media to spread awareness more broadly.
Host a video screening
Our engaging YouTube videos can spark great discussions. Hold a casual screening in your home, community centre, workplace or club, followed by an informal conversation supported by our free materials.
You may also like to partner with your local neighbourhood house, library or council for venue or equipment support.
Featured videos:
- Christina’s story- https://youtu.be/I3ot7SvVO0Y?si=gQpaD4szK6ZINSlJ
- Paul and Heather’s story - https://youtu.be/CD2Rk_s3KOA?si=Gy3GthcDr1XQO3Jj
- Marie and Nico’s story - https://youtu.be/9PyP4LJFI6I?si=OxK1OlnRgf_1igNS
- Love is not enough - https://youtu.be/hsZ287okI8c?si=Ib2E7dKkluuvthvy
Ideas for health professional activities
Include Advance Care Planning Week in a staff or team meeting
Set aside a portion of your regular team meeting or handover to discuss advance care planning and its role in patient centred care. Share our free resources and encourage staff to reflect on how they can better support their patients.
Run an education or lunchbox session
A short 20-minute session during lunch is a simple way to start the conversation. Cover the essentials of advance care planning in your state or territory, distribute our resources, and invite colleagues to ask questions.
Host a professional development event
Consider organising a seminar, webinar or in-service workshop focused on best practice in advance care planning. Our free microlearning campaigns are also available to support ongoing learning among health professionals, care workers and students.
Explore resources at Learning | Advance Care Planning Australia
Every conversation makes a difference
There is no single “right” way to host an Advance Care Planning Week activity. Whether your event involves two people sharing a pot of tea or a room full of professionals in an education session, every conversation helps ensure a person’s story is heard and their choices are known.
By getting involved, you’re helping build a community that understands, values and champions planning ahead.