Media Release
25 March 2026
Plan ahead, protect your wishes with the Public Trustee at Kingborough End of Life Expo
Tasmanians are being encouraged to have important conversations about their future when the Public Trustee Tasmania takes part in the upcoming Kingborough End of Life Expo on 25 March.
As part of the expo, the Public Trustee will host a Planning Ahead information session, helping people understand the steps they can take now to ensure their wishes are known and respected later in life.
The event follows National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March 2026), which encourages Australians to reflect on what matters most and make plans for their future care and decision-making.
Public Trustee CEO Todd Kennedy said it was important to give people a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
“Planning ahead and preparing important estate planning documents is one of the most effective ways people can ensure their voice is heard,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Documents such as an Advance Care Directive, a Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney, and an Enduring Guardianship help make sure your wishes are known and respected if you are unable to make decisions for yourself or after you pass away.”
Mr Kennedy said events like the Kingborough End of Life Expo play an important role in helping Tasmanians feel more confident about starting these conversations.
“Unfortunately, the figures show that people are missing out on the opportunity to have their say. Only around fifty per cent of Tasmanians have a valid will in place when they pass away, and recent figures from TasCAT show that less than 500 Tasmanians put in place an Advanced Care Directive each year.
“Our session at the expo will guide people through the key documents and decisions they should consider and help demystify what can sometimes feel like a complicated process.”
“Taking the time to plan ahead can provide peace of mind for you and make things much easier for the people you care about,” Mr Kennedy said.
The Public Trustee also has a range of online webinars to help people understand the practical steps involved in planning for the future.
The webinars explain key estate planning documents and outline the conversations every Tasmanian should consider having with family members and trusted decision-makers.
“Your story is yours to tell, and your choices deserve to be heard,” he said.
“Planning ahead ensures the people who matter most in your life understand your wishes and can support them when it matters most.”
For more information and to access the free planning ahead webinar, visit
www.publictrustee.tas.gov.au
ENDS
For further information:
Brad Nowland – 0439 614 893
