Tuesday 5th August, 2025
Invitation to share experiences of grief: Griefline launches National Grief Survey for Grief Awareness Month
Griefline is inviting people across the country to share their experiences of grief in the 2025 National Grief Survey, launched as part of Grief Awareness Month this August.
The survey aims to better understand how grief is experienced in Australia — from bereavement to living losses such as relationship breakdown, identity loss, cultural disconnection, serious illness, and the uncertainty of an unknown future — and to identify where more support, education, and resources are needed.
"Grief is universal, yet too often it goes unspoken or unsupported. By taking part in this survey, Australians can help us understand what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can better respond to the grief of others and ourselves.”
The survey launch forms part of Griefline’s Let’s Talk About Grief campaign, now in its second year.
From the pain of losing a child, to surviving trauma, relationship breakdowns, identity loss, cultural disconnection, and the uncertainty of an unknown future, the stories shared through the campaign reflect the extraordinary diversity of grief.
“What began as an awareness campaign in 2024 has quickly evolved into a courageous space for people to speak openly about their grief,” says Louisa Smith, Director of Strategic Innovation at Griefline. “Through this year’s survey, we’re taking that one step further — gathering real insights to help improve the support, education, and resources available for grieving people across Australia.”
Grief impacts millions of people each year. In Australia, more than 1.6 million people are bereaved annually, and countless others experience non-death-related losses that profoundly affect their lives.
“What runs through every story is a search for meaning,” says Ms Smith. “People are finding purpose in their grief, reclaiming their voices, and encouraging others to unite. That’s what Griefline stands for — and that’s why this campaign matters.”
Everyone is encouraged to visit Griefline’s website to read stories of grief, share their own, and take part in the 2025 National Grief Survey.
Take the survey: https://griefline.org.au/2025-national-grief-survey/
Explore new stories being shared throughout Grief Awareness Month: https://griefline.org.au/lets-talk-about-grief/
Media contact:
Louisa Smith, Director of Strategic Innovation
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (03) 9119 5251
A first look at the stories featured in the campaign
Cassandra’s story: Grief cracked me open — and helped me rebuild.
When Cassandra was 30 weeks pregnant, her world shattered. In the space of a few months, she lost her husband, her uncle, and — later — the career she’d built over 15 years. This is how she learned to live with grief and transform it into purpose.
Georgia’s story: Grief, migration, and memory: honouring our ancestors through ritual
For many in culturally diverse communities, grief is more than emotional, it’s ancestral, collective, and ritualised. For Georgia, traditional practices like lighting a kandili and preparing koliva remain vital connections to family, culture, and identity.
Natalie’s story: Finding healing through art after loss
When Natalie’s husband died by suicide, she was left navigating unimaginable pain while supporting her children and managing daily life. Through art, she found moments of relief — and a path to helping others heal.
Daniel’s story: Grief, mental health, and the courage to feel it all
When Daniel’s niece was lost at sea just weeks after the death of his best friend, the grief hit like a tidal wave. "Living with bipolar disorder has meant a lifetime of suicidal ideation," he says. "I couldn’t see why my niece should die so young while I still live." What followed was a journey into the depths of emotional pain — and a new, honest relationship with grief.
Catherine’s story: From loss to legacy
After surviving a life-altering car crash and then experiencing the sudden death of a close friend, Catherine Ashton found herself at a crossroads — grieving not only the people she loved, but also parts of her identity. In response, she founded Critical Info, a social enterprise helping Australians prepare for the inevitable, navigate loss, and reduce the burden of confusion for those left behind.
Chris’s story of spiralling pain and slowly rising again
After the unexpected death of his son, grief hit Chris like a tidal wave — overwhelming and all-consuming. It led to a breaking point, but also a turning point. Through connection, community, and supporting other bereaved parents, Chris found a way to live with the pain and honour his son’s memory.
Moira Junge – My story of grief, sleep, and the paths they’ve led me on
Grief taught me early on how fragile and vital sleep is — and how essential it is to our ability to cope, regulate emotions, and begin healing.
Stephanie’s story: The shape love takes – a widow’s journey through grief, caregiving, and healing
"Grief isn’t just pain — it’s the shape love takes when the person we shared it with is no longer physically here." After losing her brother, caring for her fiancé through terminal illness, and becoming a widow at fifty-three, Stephanie reflects on the sacredness of love, the raw truth of loss, and the strength found in showing up — for others and for herself.
Suzana’s story: Grieving a life that never was
At 51, Suzana found herself grieving not only the end of a relationship, but the life she had envisioned — one filled with partnership, children, and shared milestones. What unfolded was a deep reckoning with identity, purpose, and the grief that doesn’t come from death, but from dreams that no longer had a place to land.
