ritual ceremonies

About this Death Cafe

Death and loss are a natural part of life and love, but somewhere along the way it has become scary and taboo. We think open conversations about death and grief are radical acts. 

We always prepare for a birth, so why not give the same consideration for our death? We want to encourage and normalise open conversations about death, in order to be empowered and better prepared.

You are invited / All are welcome here, no matter where you might be on your journey.

Join us for a casual morning of coffee and chats at the beautiful paddock in Mullumbimby. The Kiosk will be open for teas, coffee and food for purchase.  BYO mug

There will be light facilitation but plenty of space for the nature of conversation to take it’s course. Enjoy a beautiful walk in the paddock with a view of  Mt Chincogan.

You are invited to share as little of as much as you like. Rain or shine. We might laugh until we cry we might cry until we laugh, come along and see where the morning takes us. Let’s create pathways for healing through conversation.

About Death Cafe

Death Cafe is a ‘social franchise’. At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.

Our objective is ‘to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’.

A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session.

Our Death Cafes are always offered:

– On a not for profit basis

– In an accessible, respectful and confidential space

– With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action

– Alongside refreshing drinks and nourishing food – and cake!

The Death Cafe model was developed by Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid, based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz.

About the hosts

We are three women who feel passionate about creating opportunities for conversation about death and loss in our community.

About Kimberly, Gina & Sylvia

Kimberly Sowers

Inspired by losing several loved ones, Kimberly is a grief therapist who is passionate about walking with others through loss. She is also a workshop facilitator and educator, teaching courses such as  “The Art of Grief Care” and working in local community events such as Death Expo and hosting a Death Cafe. 

Gina Marie Trengrove

Wishing to ‘do death better through living fully,  when Gina attended The Amitayus course “Life Aid” she knew she was on her path. She continued her journey with Zenith Viragos Deathwalker Course, Death Expos and hosting a Death Cafe. She continues to be in service through her work at The Amitayus Home Hospice Service, located in northern NSW. 

 “I love sharing and being a part of all things death, dying well, grief, loss, love… “

Sylvia Garcia-Menendez

After the sudden loss of her brother Sylvia experienced a dark night of the soul, she found renewed purpose by following the call to work with death and be in service to others. She has completed her Death walker training with Zenith Virago as well as her Ceremony Masterclass. She is a funeral celebrant working on the Northern Rivers, and is exploring more spiritual approaches to death and rituals for rites of passage. She is currently studying Threshold Medicine and the Tibetan texts and is working on a Podcast.