Three years ago, Benalla Health hosted an inaugural memorial gathering in response to an immediate staff need and perceived local gap.

The event was designed as an opportunity for community, staff and families to gather, remember and acknowledge the death of loved ones.

Creators envisaged an opportunity for participants to come together, experience community connection, comfort, and through expression, some healing.

This free non-denominational event is now held on the last Tuesday in November and has become an annual fixture in Benalla Health’s event calendar, set to be held this year on Tuesday, November 25 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

The timing preceding December’s business allows time to reflect and consider ways to acknowledge loved ones during special times.

Organisers recognise that grieving is a natural process and sign of love, noting that while grief is a deeply human experience, the ways communities express and process it vary widely across cultures.

Community connection plays an important component in healing.

Grieving together creates opportunities to join with others and share experiences in a meaningful way.

Rituals and memorials can provide moments that honour loss, celebrate lives and offer mutual support.

The Benalla Health Palliative Care team warmly invites families to join the Community Memorial Gathering to remember loved ones who have died, both recent or from years past.

The service features readings, music and silent reflections.

Participants can also bring a personal item for reflection and place a remembrance token in the Mary Treacy Fountain in honour of their cherished loved one.

The team asks interested participants to RSVP by Monday, November 24 by visiting trybooking.com/DFVPO or calling 5761 4258.

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Wednesday, 9th February 2028

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