As 2024 draws to a close, I am taking a moment to reflect on a massive year that has been full, humbling, and deeply fulfilling. It has been a year of connection, service, and learning—one that has reminded me how truly special it is to be part of the Albury-Wodonga community – and one to which I give massive thanks.
A Year to Remember
This year, I have had the privilege of supporting people, their loved ones and families as an end-of-life doula, pet death doula - and funeral celebrant. If it was either it sitting by the bedside of someone taking their last breaths, creating a space for conversations about grief with families, creating connection over coffee, or celebrating the life of a loved one through a funeral - these moments have been deeply meaningful. Each experience of supporting families, and most importantly – the dying – has continued to support my belief in the importance of this work and my gratitude for being able to do it every day.
I have also been so fortunate to grow alongside my peers in the end-of-life care, funeral celebrancy and end of life doula community, learning from others and sharing. This networking has strengthened my commitment to empowering people to face death and grief with understanding and dignity. Education and support has also been a big thing this year - with initiatives and charity nights such as the Business Women Albury Wodonga evening, where I was honoured to be able to speak about what I do - and raise some much needed funds for the Women’s centre here in Albury.
I am also a firm believer that you can never have too many end of life doulas, and people in the death space. We rise by lifting others – all of us reading this will one day, sadly – take our last breaths and as such, we are all deserving of someone that supports us and someone that we gel with. We are all different and unique in our strengths, and we all support one another.
Honors and (MASSIVE) Opportunities
This year brought some unexpected yet deeply appreciated recognition. Being named a finalist for Outstanding New Business at the Albury Wodonga Business Awards was a significant milestone—one made possible by the incredible support of this community – and one I will never lose sight of.
2024 was also a year of growth through education. I was thrilled to receive a $3,000 scholarship at my primary workplace as a palliative care nurse. This support has reinforced my dedication to providing compassionate care and will help in terms of continued training to help others.
Additionally, I was honoured to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the June Canavan Foundation to participate in the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program in 2025. This 12-month journey will equip me to better serve my community, advocate for change, and deepen the work I am so passionate about. I am endlessly grateful for these opportunities to learn and grow, and I can’t wait to see how they shape my contributions in the years ahead.
Starting 2025 with Reflection and Renewal
As I step into 2025, I have decided to start the year by taking a little time for myself. I’ll be celebrating my birthday in early January with some rest, reflection, and a chance to recharge over a sneaky red or two!. It feels like the perfect way to feel all the feels about the growth of this past year and set my intentions for the year ahead.
After this pause, I will be diving into several exciting projects. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I can say that 2025 is shaping up to be a year of action, connection, and even deeper engagement with my community. I can’t wait to share more as these plans unfold. I will not reveal too much…. But all I will say is look around the central Wodonga area for some photos coming your way for international women’s day in march….
Gratitude for My Albury-Wodonga Roots
Growing up in Albury-Wodonga and continuing to live and work here is something I will never take for granted. This community has supported me from the very beginning, helping with who I am and what I do. The trust and encouragement I’ve received throughout my end of life doula work has been been nothing short of inspiring.
It’s been my greatest Honor to give back to the region that has given me so much. Every family that I have supported, every story shared, and every connection made reminds me of the importance of this work and the strength of this community.
Looking Forward
As I close the chapter on 2024, I feel nothing but gratitude. This year has been full of moments that have shaped my work, strengthened my connections to community, and deepened my connection to the people around me.
To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. Your support means the world to me, and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to do what I love in a community I hold so dear.
Here’s to a bright, meaningful, and connected 2025. I am so excited to see where this takes people next.
With gratitude and so, so much love,Kara x
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