Contributed by Bronwyn Lysaght
The Maleny and broader hinterland community is invited to come together for its first ‘Picnic Among Friends’—a heartfelt afternoon to remember and honour those we love who have died.
Set to be held on Sunday, August 17, from 1pm to 4pm at Bicentennial Park, beside the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre and adjoining the community’s ‘Journey of Life Grief Garden’, this free community event welcomes individuals, families, and people of all ages to remember the lives of loved ones, whether that’s a family member, child, friend, or beloved pet.
Whether your grief is recent or long held, this non-religious, inclusive gathering offers a space to honour the journey of life together.
Inspired by the long-running Sydney event founded over a decade ago by holistic funeral director, celebrant, and death literacy advocate Victoria Spence, Picnic Among Friends offers a gentle, open-hearted environment where memory and grief can be shared without pressure.
Ms Spence will travel to Maleny to attend and share insights from her experience building this meaningful tradition. The afternoon will feature a Welcome to Country, a short ceremony at 2pm, music, a craft space to create memorial items, and a communal Memory Tree.
Guests are invited to bring a picnic, a rug or chair, and something meaningful—such as a photo or keepsake—to honour their loved one, and to join in however feels right.
Christine Elcoate from Tying Up Loose Ends (TULE) said, “Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and remembering doesn’t need to be formal or grand. This event is about creating gentle space in everyday life to honour our love and our losses.”
Madonna Hampson from the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre said, “We’re proud to support this beautiful community initiative. It’s a chance for people to come together, share stories, or just quietly be with others who understand the journey of grief and loss.”
The location—beside Maleny’s Journey of Life Grief Garden, created as a quiet reflective space for community use—reflects the spirit of the event itself: simple, thoughtful, and rooted in connection.
Organised by a collective of local community members, including Tying Up Loose Ends (TULE), the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, and others committed to fostering compassion and connection around death, dying and grief, Picnic Among Friends is proudly supported by a grant from the Sunshine Coast Council.
Organisers hope this will grow into a cherished annual gathering in the Hinterland.
For more details, contact Bronwyn Lysaght on 0402 107 830.
