Whipping up biscuits a few times a week for Ballarat Hospice Care staff has been Dot’s way of coping and saying thanks in the past 13 years since her daughter Leanne died. Dot’s son Wayne died, also from cancer, this year. Dot said in both journeys, Ballarat Hospice had offered strong support so her children could remain at home as long as possible.

Next Thursday evening, Dot will gather will people who have similarly lost someone in the annual ceremony of remembrance service, co-hosted by Ballarat Hospice and Gandarra Palliative Care Unit.

“There’ll always be a hole in our hearts but you learn to accept,” Dot said. “The ceremony of remembrance is really special...There are tears but they’re a different sort of tears because they are a tribute to ones lost.”

The inclusive service is at Salvation Army Ballarat Community Church on Thursday, October 8, from 6pm. If interested in attending, phone 5333 1118.