98. Death Douling, Dying Well & Plant Perfumes with Melinda Norris on Permaculture Herbalism

The Elder Tree Podcast

Melinda Norris, born and raised in the 70's in Melbourne (Narrn) suburbia, had a far from a typical suburban upbringing.

Both her parents, who were immigrants to Australia, kept their family traditions, such as homesteading and growing their food; we now know these practices as permaculture.

One very important tradition that held strong to in the family was caring at home for the young, and the old, and the dying.

Having lived with the dying and attended as many funerals as christenings and weddings, Melinda has been attuned to this part of life for as long as she can remember.

And having had a number of near death experiences herself, Melinda has a familiarity and reverence for the terrain and the journey that we all must take someday.

With a curious nature, she was destined for adventure and has lived a full life, exploring, creating, and travelling.

Professionally, Melinda is best known as a Festival and Event Producer, Arts Worker, and, more recently, a Tiny House Builder.

Today, she’s here to discuss a deeply personal topic that resonates with many—our relationship with death and dying.

She is a death Doula, a term that means helper, who facilitates, guides, and emotionally supports families. Melinda is a bridge to allay fears, communicate expectations, and gently guide individuals towards grace and peace during the dying journey.

Through stories and wisdom from her ongoing reverence for this profound subject, Melinda offers a unique perspective on a conversation increasingly present in the global collective.

SHOW NOTES:

For care and support regarding end of (this) life care, feel free to call Melinda Norris 0400 798 425

Resources / practical - GOVERNMENT

• QLD Public trustee: https://www.pt.qld.gov.au/

• The office Public Advocacy: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/public-advocate

• Government Age Care Commission: https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/

• Aged Care Guides: https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/what-about-complaints

Resources / practical - NON GOVERNMENT

• https://www.gentle-conversations.com/
• https://www.gatheredhere.com.au/
• https://tenderfunerals.com.au/
• https://held.org.au/
• https://www.willed.com.au/guides/living-wills-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important/

Local meet up: Gentle ConversationsCommunity Conversations about living and dying at Limberlost Nursery Stratford 1.30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of every month Leanne B: 0428 160 863 Leanne: 0407 277 385

Books & Films:

• Die Wise, Stephen Jenkinson https://orphanwisdom.com/

• Sacred Death Care, Dr Sarah Kerr https://sacreddeathcare.com/

• On ScreenSBS: The Last Goodbye - 3-part series with Ray Martin https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story/series/2022/video/NC2202Q016S00

• ABC Australian Story: A Community Undertaking: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story/series/2022/video/NC2202Q016S00

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The intro and outro song is "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sing for the Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" and was kindly donated by Chad Wilkins. You can find Chad's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.