January
Disney fans seek to spread human ashes at parks despite ban
For decades, stories about surreptitious memorials, covert dumping of remains and ride shutdowns attributed to ashes have become ghoulish pieces of Disney lore.
November 2024
Death tech a safe bet as investors see value in digitising last requests
The inevitability of the end of life, and the administrative burdens that come with it, convinced high-profile investors to back a $17 million funding round.
Music titan Quincy Jones dies at 91
The multi-talented producer created brilliant hits for artists as diverse as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Snoop Dogg.
October 2024
The party planner who is already thinking about her last hurrah
Chyka Keebaugh, who organises some of the best parties in Australia, has every detail planned.
Don’t expect human life expectancy to grow much more, says new study
Some billionaires think they can extend their lives to 200 years at least, but researchers say we’ve probably already maxed out the human lifespan.
July 2024
‘Death clause’ triggers an extra $1.2m for vendor
“You’re not legally allowed to ask for a price reduction just because someone dies,” said the agent. But one buyer did – and then pulled out of the sale.
Why can’t we die at home any more?
Many people who want to die at home are sent into overburdened hospitals for high-intensity care without clear benefits.
May 2024
Society florist to sign off with a signature flower
Grandiflora founder Saskia Havekes plans to be dressed in white, with a floral scent and a magnolia bloom.
February 2024
Who’s most likely to die from alcohol poisoning, and what they drink
Experienced drinkers who die from alcohol poisoning don’t always have extreme concentrations of alcohol in their blood at the time of death.
November 2023
Life expectancy goes backwards for the first time in 30 years
The wave of COVID-19 deaths has caused a “slightly lower life” expectancy in Australia, but a newborn child will still probably see the next century.
August 2023
RIP InvoCare, the small-cap star that fell to private equity
The funeral homes owner was a cracking investment for more than a decade, but hit a wall. Now TPG Capital gets its chance.
July 2023
How an ink splodge cost a couple their $4.5m inheritance
What can happen if a “lost” will is found highlights the need to make sure final wishes are clear, up to date and easily accessible.
May 2023
Can paradise heal a broken heart? How to overcome grief on a retreat
Horses have long been used in therapy for people with disabilities and injuries. Now it appears they can also help us recover from loss.
March 2023
TPG Capital turns screws on InvoCare, Goldman Sachs lands a role
There’s been barely a word spoken between ASX-listed funerals group InvoCare and suitor TPG Capital in the past week, but that hasn’t stopped both sides from gearing up for talks and a potential battle.
COVID-19 linked to 20,000 Australian deaths in 2022: study
Last year, excess deaths climbed to nearly 20,000 in Australia, a toll the country has not seen since World War ll.
November 2022
Western Australia winning the war against omicron deaths
Western Australia has been the most successful state at constraining COVID-19 deaths.
October 2022
The dying outback town where every breath can be toxic
Once a symbol of economic prosperity, Wittenoom now stands as one of Australia’s greatest industrial tragedies.
September 2022
How one of Australian cricket’s unluckiest men got very, very lucky
The man once known to his mates as “the Prince of Perth” can’t wait to be back on home soil.
August 2022
What happens to my super when I die?
Single with no dependants and cited nieces or nephews as beneficiaries if you die? You’ll need to take more action to make sure they’re the ones who get it.
Labor MP opposed to euthanasia wants to repeal ban in NT and ACT
A private member’s bill introduced on Monday would end the ban on the ACT and Northern Territory passing euthanasia laws.