Grief Retreat – Suicide Bereavement

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and Grief Australia warmly invite you to a unique Grief Retreat focused on bereavement following the suicide of a significant other. 

Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026

Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm (arrival and check-in from 9:00am)

Address: Bunurong Memorial Park

790 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South VIC 3175. 

Cost: $60.00 

Bookings close on Friday 4th September and numbers are limited. 

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

What to expect:

Grief Retreat is a dedicated day for people who are navigating grief and loss. This September we are offering a specialised retreat focused on suicide bereavement. The retreat provides a gentle and supportive space to pause, reflect, and explore your grief alongside others who may share similar experiences. 

Resources and emotional support will be available from Grief Australia professionals for anyone who may need extra care.

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

• Understanding Grief After Suicide
• Making Space for Guilt and "What Ifs"
• Sound Bowl Meditation
• Creating Together

Friendly and lovable wellbeing dogs from The Unconditional Love Foundation will welcome you at registration and will be available for pats during the morning. 

Presenters - Grief Australia Practitioners   

Deb Likouras

GradCertLGTC, MSW, BSW

Deb Likouras is an accredited social worker (AASW), registered counsellor (PACFA) and a specialist bereavement practitioner. Deb has worked for over 20 years in many roles across community services and in the grief and bereavement space including in paediatric palliative care, in suicide postvention, in aged care and in family support and counselling following the death of a child. 

Eszter Cowle

BSc, MSc, Grad Dip Couns, Cert IV BereavSupport; Grad Cert NT & CW (Narrative therapy and Community Work) 

Eszter began transitioning to a new career in 2015 after volunteering with Lifeline as a telephone crisis supporter. Since this time Eszter has completed study in Counselling, Bereavement Support, and Narrative therapy and Community Support. Eszter has volunteered with NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief), Griefline and has worked at Lifeline, 1800 Respect, and Standby. 

Hayley Russell

MBA, MA SoSc (Health Services- Counselling), Grad Cert (Bereavement Counselling Intervention), Churchill Fellowship Award Recipient, 2022

Hayley Russell is a passionate and committed clinician and researcher, working largely in areas which have traditionally held a level of stigma including death and dying and grief and loss. Over the last ten years her career has involved highly specialised clinical work alongside research collaborations which truly make a difference in the lives of bereaved and cancer impacted Australians. 

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 2026 Grief Retreat.