Benalla Health and library partner to remember loved ones with trees of remembrance

By Contributed

Dec 12, 2023

Losing a loved one can be especially hard at family traditions and gatherings such as Christmas.

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To acknowledge loss and grief and to help support the healing journey, Benalla Health’s Palliative Care Service has partnered with the Benalla Library to host a Christmas Tree of Remembrance at the library throughout December.

This is a great way to acknowledge and include our loved ones in our Christmas preparations.

A second remembrance tree is in the Benalla Community Health reception area (Ray Sweeney Centre) for the community and clients to visit and leave a message.

Benalla Health Palliative Care loss and grief coordinator April Bretheras said the Remembrance Tree has a positive and healing message.

“People can remember their loved one at Christmas by writing special messages on cards in memory of their loved ones, including pets, which can be hung on the trees with other decorations.”

The tree and messages will stay on display until the end of December.

In honour of the memories contained in messages, all cards will be gathered by the Palliative Care team, burnt and spread around the gardens alongside the Mary Treacy Fountain, where community members will have a quiet place to sit and reflect on their lost or missing loved ones.

Everyone is encouraged to remember their loved ones at this special time of year.

Anyone seeking assistance with loss and grief can contact the Benalla Health Palliative Care loss and grief coordinator on (03) 5761 4258; Grief Australia (03) 9265 2100 or Grief Line 1300 845 745.