Dying with Dignity NSW is an advocacy organisation committed to supporting voluntary assisted dying laws and other end-of-life choices for residents in NSW.
For nearly 50 years we pursued a change in the law to allow competent adults experiencing intolerable suffering, from a terminal or incurable illness, to receive medical assistance to end their life peacefully, at the time of their choosing.
In May 2022 we achieved our primary goal when NSW Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022. That law took effect on 28 November 2023.
We are now working to raise awareness of the NSW voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws and ensure that they are accessible to those who need them, regardless of where they live in our state.
We are also committed to educating the community about their end-of-life (EOL) rights and the importance of open and honest conversations about death and dying and EOL planning.
We are run by a hands-on board of directors supported by a community engagement officer and back-office administrator.
Our funding comes entirely from donations, membership fees and bequests.
Our history
Our organisation was established in April 1974 as the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NSW. We were incorporated as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee in 1983.
In 2009 we changed our name to Dying with Dignity NSW, to reflect our concern for the dignity and autonomy of those who suffer needlessly at the end of their life.
In 2021 we became a registered charity with DGR1 status allowing us to receive tax deductible donations.
What we do
We are advocates for compassion, dignity and autonomy, to allow those who are suffering to direct their own medical care, up to and including their end-of-life decisions.
Our activities
Our activities are guided by our Strategic Plan which has four key focus areas:
SUPPORT
- Provide support and advice to individuals, family members and carers facing end-of-life situations and decisions.
- Refer people to other organisations that can provide specialist support, information and resources.
- Provide helpful information via a phone and email support service, webinars, seminars, website, newsletters and brochures.
- Strengthen regional groups to ensure that support can be provided in regional areas across NSW.
EDUCATE
- Educate the public, healthcare providers and other stakeholders about the new VAD law and EOL planning.
- Build relationships with medical bodies and other organisations concerned with VAD and EOL issues.
- Pursue opportunities to collaborate with other organisations providing educational EOL resources to avoid duplication.
- Organise or participate in end-of-life seminars, events etc to educate the public about all EOL choices and rights.
ENGAGE
- Engage with NSW Health and other stakeholders involved in VAD and EOL issues and collaborate in initiatives designed to improve the EOL experience of NSW residents.
- Support the recruitment of healthcare practitioners willing to participate in the deliver of VAD services to eligible people.
- Monitor the NSW VAD scheme by collecting data and personal stories to ensure that it operates effectively and is accessible to those who need it.
DEFEND
- Monitor activities of VAD opponents and take defensive action as required.
- Maintain a strong media and political presence by continuing to collect and publish testimonies.
- Help ensure access to VAD in faith-based health and aged care facilities.
- Work with interstate DWD groups to protect and potentially improve all Australian VAD laws.
Other activities
- Promote “death literacy” and conversations in the community about death and dying.
- Encourage people to discuss their end-of-life preferences with family and friends.
- Provide advance care planning documents, so that our supporters can protect themselves to the full extent possible under the current law.
- Encourage and support regional groups of DWD supporters to help raise awareness about VAD and end-of-life issues in their local communities.
- Promote active discussion and sharing of factual information via social media – see our Facebook page and twitter feed.
- Share news of national and international developments in end-of-life options via our website, email updates and our newsletters.
- Liaise with journalists to provide up-to-date and accurate information on voluntary assisted dying and other end-of-life issues.
- Undertake media monitoring and share key stories with organisations and advocates around Australia and overseas.
- Write submissions for Parliamentary and other inquiries when necessary.
- Fundraise to ensure we have sufficient funds to keep running our organisation so that we can ensure that the NSW VAD laws operate as intended, and continue to advocate for the end-of-life rights of people in New South Wales and around Australia.