Who We Are

ACT Palliative Care Society Inc. is the representative voice for palliative care in the Australian Capital Territory. Formed in 1985, we are a non-government community based organization, a registered charity and a founding member of the national peak body Palliative Care Australia.

Our Goal

Working with other organisations and services to facilitate, promote and improve excellent palliative care in the ACT and to offer compassion and support to the terminally ill, their families and friends.

Principal Purposes and Objects


The principal purpose and objects for which the Society is established are to promote the prevention or control of disease in human beings and to facilitate the provision and improvement of palliative care in the ACT by:
  • providing a forum for the exchange of ideas on matters relating to palliative care and to encourage the dissemination of such information to the community, health professionals, volunteers and caregivers through education and awareness campaigns;
  • to consult with ACT Government and the Health Department on the needs of those receiving or requiring palliative care and initiate action to meet those needs or act as an advocate on their behalf;
  • to promote the maintenance of palliative care standards across the ACT; and
  • to liaise and develop partnerships with other organisations which have like objectives that could improve palliative care in the ACT.

What We Do

We have a strong commitment to improving the quality of palliative care services in the ACT. We provide:-

  • representation of palliative care services to Governments, including funding distribution and policy advice,

  • a proficient and sustainable volunteer program,
  • a therapeutic massage program for palliative care patients
  • promotion of palliative care philosophy and services to the community.


Volunteers are an integral part of the palliative care team at the ACT hospice – Clare Holland House and in the home-based palliative care program. We employ a professional team to train and co-ordinate over 100 volunteers who are committed to supporting people living with a terminal illness.

What You Can Do


You are invited to support the Society financially by:-

  • Making a donation
  • Becoming a member
    Individual membership $22 per annum, Life membership $440
  • Making an in memorium donation
  • Making a bequest
  • Assisting with fundraising
  • Becoming a volunteer
Download a membership form