Mel Armstrong is a proud Gomeroi woman, author, advocate, cultural awareness trainer and Founding Director of Warranggal Dreaming.

Drawing on almost two decades of experience in health and community services, as well as her own journey as a family carer, Mel is a passionate advocate for culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In this thoughtful conversation, Mel shares how caring for her grandmother through dementia and at the end of her life shaped her passion for improving aged care and palliative care.

She reflects on the importance of care that honours identity, family, community and connection to Country, and discusses the inspiration behind her book, A Journey to Country: Baagii's Memories.

Mel also speaks candidly about the gaps she encountered in the care system and the need to better recognise the cultural needs and wishes of Aboriginal elders.

Above all, the conversation is a reminder that compassionate end-of-life care means seeing the whole person and ensuring culture remains central to care, dignity and belonging.