We were absolutely delighted to welcome Violet Platt as our Guest Speaker at our AGM.

In June 2020, Adjunct Associate Professor Violet Platt was appointed CEO of Palliative Care Victoria, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nursing, health leadership, cancer care and palliative care. Previously a senior executive with WA Health, she was recognised for her significant contributions to healthcare and expressed a strong commitment to advancing Palliative Care Victoria's mission of ensuring all Victorians can access quality end-of-life care.

In 2019 when VAD became operative in Victoria, it would have been inconceivable to think that seven years later our guest speaker would be the CEO of Palliative Care Victoria. Palliative Care and VAD were viewed by many people at that time as staunchly opposing approaches to end of life care. How things have changed! Violet spoke of PC and VAD now considered as being part of a compassionate person-centred response to serious illness and dying. She emphasised that having access to Palliative Care is not the same as equity. Also, a person’s care should not be dictated by their diagnosis, healthcare institution, medical professional, personal circumstances or postcode. DWDV looks forward to working collaboratively with Palliative Care Victoria in the future to improve end of life care for all Victorians.

Violet’s insights resonated strongly with attendees, who listened intently and responded with genuine appreciation. It was so affirming and heartening to hear how far we have all progressed, and will undoubtedly collaboratively continue with this evolution in the future. 

DWDV President Jane Morris with Violet Platt