Grief Retreat – Grieving Together

The Grief Retreat is a special day dedicated to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This event includes a range of activities and experiences catered to support you and help you in gaining a greater understanding of your grief. 

Resources and in-person support will be available from specialist bereavement support volunteers. You will have the opportunity to take part in wellbeing activities which will nurture and help you, remember loved ones, connect with others with shared experience and access support resources.

What to expect:

Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025

Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm (arrival and check-in from 8:30am)

Address: 790 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South, VIC 3175 (a reminder email will be sent closer to the date, outlining details of parking, maps and venue locations)

Cost: $60.00 (5 facilitated sessions, resources, emotional support from specialist grief organisations, and catering for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea included)

After the official welcome, you will be invited to attend the following workshops:

• Call of the Dreaming
• Is My Grief Normal? 
• Taking care of Yourself
• Glimmers
• Mindfulness

A garden activity is planned for the Remembrance Garden as well as short wellbeing activities throughout the day. 

Emotional support will be available on the day for those who may need extra care. 

Presenters 

Bianca Otto is a trauma informed Counsellor & Facilitator who incorporates Mindfulness into her life & work. She has facilitated groups across the Mornington Peninsula for over 12 years, creating safe spaces for people to connect, share, learn and grow together.

Jillian West is a proud Bunurong woman from Point Nepean and Palawa from the islands of Bass Strait with a lengthy career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work, education and their life journey.

Shelley Andreetta is a compassionate and experienced counsellor at GrieflineExternal site. Shelley has developed and currently facilitates grief groups, finding it a genuine honour to foster a healing environment through the connection of people and shared experiences.

Sue Cameron is a compassionate Specialist Grief Counsellor at Grief AustraliaExternal site, educator, and certified funeral celebrant dedicated to supporting individuals through the complexities of loss. With a rich background in paediatric oncology, community care, and family support, she brings deep empathy and expertise to her work in counselling, group facilitation, education, and guiding meaningful funeral and memorial services.

Dr Hellen Kemp is a Specialist Grief Counsellor at Grief AustraliaExternal site. Hellen brings extensive experience in physical and mental health, with a career spanning from frontline healthcare roles to advanced psychological research. Passionate about supporting individuals through grief and trauma, she is currently completing APS Board Approved Supervisor Training and advanced EMDR therapy certification.

Leah Munnery, Pippin & Scout, Angela and Scottie from The Unconditional Love FoundationExternal site bring people and animals together, believing both can experience the immense joy and compassion this connection brings.

Partner organisations

Bookings are essential and numbers are limited. 

Register nowExternal site

For more information, call 0428 213 776, or email care@smct.org.au

2024 Grief Retreat

Highlights from the 2024 Grief Retreat. Please note: This footage reflects past events and may not represent the activities or experiences planned for the 2025 Grief Retreat.