Community Outreach

U3A Conference

There is something deeply reassuring about hearing people openly talk about the kind of farewell they want — not only for themselves, but for the impact they wish to leave behind.

Recently, both  Walawaani Way and  The Compassionate Care Collective were warmly welcomed at the U3A Batemans Bay NSW Regional Conference. We are grateful to U3A Batemans Bay for the invitation and the opportunity to connect with visitors from across the state.

One of the strongest themes throughout the conference was the growing desire for more sustainable end-of-life choices. Many people were curious about burial options that not only reduce environmental impact, but also contribute positively back to the land.

A question we were asked repeatedly was:

“Can I be buried at Walawaani Way if I don’t live locally?”

The short answer is YES! The logistics part is the easy bit – we have people who have bought as far as Queensland. The first burial was a lovely man from Gloucester, north of Sydney.

While there can sometimes be logistical considerations, and unforeseen circumstances may occasionally affect plans, we will work closely with your executor and loved ones to do everything we can to honour your wishes and support burial at Walawaani Way.

For many people, the idea of resting in a place dedicated to conservation and regeneration feels deeply meaningful. It reflects a growing shift in how we think about death care — one that reconnects us with community, environment, and legacy.

We also recognise that travel distance or accessibility may make burial at Walawaani Way impractical for some families. If natural burial is something you are seeking closer to home, we encourage exploring the excellent directory provided by the  Natural Death Advocacy Network, which includes accredited natural burial grounds across Australia.

While these sites may differ from our conservation burial model, they still offer a more sustainable and less carbon-intensive alternative to conventional burial practices.

The conversations at the conference gave us hope. Across generations and communities, people are increasingly asking thoughtful questions about how their end-of-life choices can reflect their values — caring not only for the people they love, but also for the world they leave behind.

We are grateful to everyone who stopped to chat, shared their stories, and explored these important conversations with us.

 Written by Anneke Barnes, Walawaani Way