Australians urged to ask the big questions as National Palliative Care Week begins

National Palliative Care Week 2026 Special Guest Lecture: “Rethinking Dementia and End-of-Life Care”

The National Palliative Care Week 2026 special guest lecture Rethinking Dementia and End-of-Life Care will be delivered by a national leader in palliative care, Dr Michael Chapman, Director of Palliative Care, Canberra Health Services. 

With dementia now Australia’s leading causes of death, Dr Chapman will challenge long-held assumptions about the condition and explore what better end-of-life care could look like for the growing number of Australians affected. In line with this year’s National Palliative Care Week theme, Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers., the lecture will examine how communities can respond with more honest conversations, practical support and person-centred care that protects dignity, connection and quality of life.

Following the lecture, Dr Chapman will engage in a wide-ranging conversation with PCA Board Chair Dr Peter Allcroft about the urgent need to improve access to palliative care across Australia.