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Our Team

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Purpose 

​Every person, every family and every community in the South West of Western Australia knows what to do when someone is caring, dying or grieving.
Vision

​Our local communities are death literate, socially connected and can take practical actions to
​care for each other in illness, death and grief.
Mission
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We are socially connected as we age (building and drawing upon formal and informal networks).

We provide spaces and opportunities where it is ok for people to talk about illness, death and grief.

We create a culture where it is ok to ask for, and offer, help.

We place a person and their naturally occurring networks at the centre.

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People's end of life wishes are known and supported in a way that is right for them.
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Supporting diversity, recognising old traditions and new ways of doing things.

We take an assets/strengths based community development approach that involves acknowledging / activating what already is present and building from there.

​We support co-operation between formal services and the community, with the conductor being community members.

Meet Our Team

We are a group of positive, proactive people who want to make a difference!
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Professor Samar Aoun
Co-founder and Committee Chair 
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Click here to learn more about About Professor Aoun
Samar Aoun is professor of palliative care, public health palliative care unit, la Trobe university, Victoria and the Perron institute for neurological and translational science, Perth, western Australia. She is a palliative care researcher with a public health approach and a focus on under-served population groups such as people with motor neurone disease, dementia, terminally ill people who live alone and family carers before and after bereavement. Samar advocates for a person-centred health and social care. Her research programs on supporting family carers at end of life and the public health approach to bereavement care have informed policy and practice at the national and international levels. Her recent work on social models in bereavement support has provided empirical evidence to strengthen the compassionate communities approach in bereavement support. She co-founded the south west compassionate communities network in 2018.
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Kate Cross

Committee Member​
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Kate
​I have lived in the South West since about 1973 and returned to work in Bunbury after completing my Registered Nurse training in Perth in 1986. Since then I have continued to work in the WA Health system in  as a clinician and manager and leader largely in roles based in Bunbury and related to Country WA.  I have completed a Bachelor of Nursing Degree and Graduate Diplomas in Health Service Management and Emergency Health.
 
I am really interested in improving access to care closer to home and improving health outcomes and health equity. The compassionate communities approach provides communities (and individuals and families) with a way of building resilience, connection and capacity, something that is very much needed; it also acknowledges the significant role that communities play in supporting people to live their best life and empowering people to maintain and improve their physical and mental health.

Leanne O`Shea
Committee Deputy Chair 
South West Grief and Loss Centre​

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ABOUT Leanne
​Leanne specialises in Grief, Bearvement and end of life. Leanne is the Director of the South West Grief & Loss Centre. The centre was developed to build community connection and encourage conversations around death and dying. At the centre you can attend workshops, engage in personal counselling, end of life support and education, retreats and accommodation facilities for respite and extended grief support
Leanne also works part time at the Busselton Hospice Care along with contract Grief & Bereavement work in the health sector.
Leanne is the Deputy Chair of the South West Compassionate Communities Network and Member of the Australian Centre for Grief & Bereavement.
 
Leanne is a qualified and experienced professional educator, counsellor, VET trainer and assessor, facilitator and speaker specialising in Grief, Beaervement and end of life.
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Anthea Openshaw
Secretary

Click here to learn more about Anthea

In 2020, I will complete my bachelor degree with Honours in Social Work at ECU in Bunbury.  My Honours thesis is a study of the experiences of organ donor families who have direct contact with the recipients of their loved one’s organs.  Previously I have undertaken a degree in Health Information Management from Curtin University and have worked in various hospitals, both in Australia and in the UK, in research and management positions.  I was also the Practice Manager for an Orthopaedic Practice for ten years, until I began my social work degree.  I am a passionate animal lover and have worked with various animal rescue groups as a volunteer and currently have nearly forty rescued animals living on my rural block.  For me, a compassionate community is how we look after and protect our most vulnerable, which includes all living creatures and our natural environment.

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Taryn Barrett

Marketing and Promotion
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Taryn
I am the community relations officer for leading South West funeral home, William Barrett and Sons, and a former journalist, public relations officer and mother of three boys. In recent years, I have relished being a part of the important movement to foster more community support for those who are dying but also for those who are grieving. A big part of this is demystifying death and getting more people talking openly about end-of-life planning. For this reason, we welcome people into our funeral home for tours, community education sessions and fun community events such as movie nights and morning teas for charity. 

Since having my youngest son Connor in 2015 who has Cystic Fibrosis, I have also become an advocate for WA-based charity Conquer Cystic Fibrosis and organ donation. In 2017 I was honoured to receive the Cystic Fibrosis Australia Advocacy Award which was presented by the Governor General of Australia for advocating for the placement of breakthrough medicines on the PBS.

I am about to embark on further study in the field of education and hope this knowledge will assist me in supporting ongoing community efforts to increase death literacy among children. I am also married to Adrian Barrett, a funeral director with more than two decades experience who is currently serving as the national President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association.
We certainly have a busy lives but we value our connection with the South West Compassionate Communities Network and look forward to seeing what can be achieved by this passionate team of individuals in the years to come.
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​Jocelyn (Jo) Robinson 

Treasurer

Click here to learn more about JO
Jocelyn (Jo) Robinson:  BEd(Prim) GradDipCouns.

I have been a Bunbury resident for the past 18 years, and for the past two years have provided the community with a suicide bereavement group called Shining Hope WA.  As a Counsellor, mother, friend and community member I have been touched deeply by suicide and loss, and therefore have made it my life-mission to care for those who have also suffered in this way.

When I’m not working as a Counsellor, or either of my other roles such as Admin/Office worker, and Car Detailer, I am volunteering my time as a Breakfast Club Coordinator to Primary School aged children, training and coaching netball, and assisting members from Shining Hope WA. 
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Luke Fuller
​Committee Member
​Website Admin

click here to learn more about Luke 

I've lived in the Greater-Bunbury area for 13 years now. I graduated Highschool at Eaton Community College attaining the Citizen of the year award twice over for years 11 and 12. From there, I went to Edith Cowan University in Bunbury and obtained a Degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Counselling  (Community Training Australia). I am a student of various Martial Arts and AUSLAN whilst being a volunteer fire and rescue worker. I am currently employed at the Bunbury Regional Community College as a School Social Worker and recently got married to my Highschool-sweetheart of 10 years. 

I love my community and the what it has done for me. I have experienced grief and loss of a loved one, and wish to try assist my community in this area. 

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​Felicity Neale
Death Café

click here to learn more about Felicity 

I have Lived in the beautiful Bunbury area  for 12 years. I fell instantly in love with this community immediately and I could not imagine ever leaving. 
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I am the owner and operator of Caring for Carers - Counselling and Touch-based Therapy for Carers |End of Life Therapist/Doula
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As a grief and loss counsellor to Carers, I have found myself in the very privileged position of being around people who are on a unchosen path. Observing the selflessness, empathy and complete kindness of those who seemed to be in their darkest place has encouraged and inspired me to do more with my own life. Being able to guide and support individuals and families on life's final journey is a honour and a privilege. My goal is to preserve ones quality of life, well being and self worth up to and beyond the end of life. 

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Lisa Miles
Administration

Click her to learn more about Lisa
​I am a South West born woman, and have been living in Bunbury for the last four years. As a family we love Bunbury and it is a great place to raise a family.
I am the Manager of my family’s Business, Hancock Memorials. Hancock Memorials has been part of the South West community since the 1920’s. We feel that it is a privilege and honour to help people create memorials that reflect and celebrate their loved ones who have passed. 
Through my work I often see the challenges and grief people experience through their loss and I am grateful to be part of the Compassionate Communities Network that looks to equip communities and families to effectively navigate the end of life journey.  

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Laurissa Knowles
Youth

Click here to learn more about Laurissa 
​Laurissa attended Santa Maria College growing up and attended the University of Notre Dame, where she obtained a double degree and postgraduate diploma. She is an experienced and accredited counsellor who has provided children, adolescence, and adults with therapeutic services for over 20 years as a specialist in grief & loss, trauma, anxiety, and family dynamics. 

Laurissa conducts private counselling practices in Margaret River and Bussleton and is known for her down-to-earth approach, sense of humour, and capacity to listen, support, and direct clients to move forward in experiencing life differently. With Laurissa, you can expect to go on a journey of exploration, discovery, empowerment, and change. 

Laurissa is a celebrant for weddings and funerals, working closely with William Barrett and Sons for two decades, a venue where she also conducts her grief & loss sessions in conjunction with her colleague, Pat Kelly. Offering families of the southwest a professional and personal experience, Laurissa helps guide them to capture and celebrate the most sacred and significant moments in their lives. 

Laurissa has worked as a professional counsellor for the Cancer Council of Western Australia over the past 15 years, where she supports those with cancer, their families, and carers. She is also a chaplain and teacher currently working at St Thomas More Primary school in Margaret River, supporting students, families, and staff wellness. 

Laurissa is the Deputy Chair for Open the Gate, a program that provides mental health strategies for isolated communities in the southwest. She holds the Portfolio for Education and Schools in 'The Compassionate Communities Network' and is fully trained and accredited with ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).
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​Shelley O'Brien
Dying to Know Day
Click here to learn more about Shelley
I was born and grew up in Busselton, living elsewhere around the state before returning with my family in 2002 to settle near my extended family including my now 85 year old mother.

​My work roles have included working as a registered nurse in Prisons and Community Health. I have also worked in several roles in Suicide Prevention Coordination, as well as being a trainer in suicide intervention and awareness. These roles have bought me into regular contact with people who are experiencing grief and loss as well as people who are considering ending their life. Recently I have semi retired to be more available for my family members and to enjoy more volunteer work.

​I have an interest in improving community support for those experiencing end stages of life and also improving the way that we talk about and approach dying, as an inevitable stage of living.
 
 
Shelley O’Brien
Mobile:   0438381790

Our Working Team 

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​“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action.  These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”
 – Helen Dyer

It is not without these amazing assistance of volunteers that we cannot operate and succeed. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these wonderful persons:
 
  • Jeni Henderson
  • Hannah Claire
  • Michelle Stayt
  • Claire O’Berry
  • Emma Evans
  • Home
  • Our Team
  • What is a Compassionate Community?
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Community Connector Project
  • Helpful Resources
    • Resources for you and me
    • Resources for Health Professionals
  • 2021 State Forum