As part of our contingency planning for the COVID-19 pandemic, Sands are interested in hearing from previous volunteer parent supporters who may be able to assist us at this time. Read more
With the spread of the Covid-19 virus and our commitment to prioritising the safety of all bereaved parents, volunteers and staff within the Sands community, Sands has made the decision to suspend all of our face-to-face groups until further notice, commencing today, Wednesday, 18th March. Read more
The members of the Sands Older Loss Group are sad to share the news that our long-term friend Betty Birch has passed away aged 96. Read more
Sands welcome the federal government’s announcement that parents dealing with stillbirths and infant deaths will soon have access to 12 months unpaid parental leave under legislation flagged for later this year. Read more
The Federal Government recently announced limits on public gatherings to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus. These restrictions apply to funerals and unfortunately may affect the way bereaved parents plan and conduct a ceremony for their baby who has died. Read more
Some of you reading this newsletter will already be experiencing significant impacts from this pandemic. We are thinking about you all and hoping for a quick return to normality. We've made some changes to help Sands through this challenging period, but we need your support. Read more
As the days go on right now, the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and organisations is continuing to grow. We update you on what this means for Sands and Red Nose right now. Read more
As Sands families prepare to bake up a storm for the Say Their Name special gatherings they're holding in memory of their babies, we're giving you the opportunity to win a Thermomix - taking your party preparations to the next level! Read more
On 25 March in celebration of Say Their Name Day's first birthday, we invite you to host a gathering in honour of a baby you know and love to help Sands support more bereaved parents. Read more
Recently the boards of Sands and Red Nose resolved to bring our organisations together. Read more
We're currently looking for volunteers to train as peer support group facilitators in Bendigo and several Melbourne locations. Read more
We're thrilled to announce that the contracts have finally been signed to kick-start our pilot Hospital to Home program in 2020. Read more
A Western Sydney University research project looking into parents' experience with complementary medicine after stillbirth is recruiting participants who've experienced a stillbirth in the last 36 months. Read more
Sands and Red Nose last month attended a Department of Health roundtable to assist in determining how $4million of newly announced funding should be best spent to address perinatal depression and anxiety as well as bereavement following pregnancy and infant loss. Read more
On 2 December Sands participated in the Minister for Health's stillbirth round table meeting, convened to further develop the National Action Plan to address stillbirth. Read more
This December, on International Volunteer Day, we are celebrating the long history of Sands, and the amazing contribution of hundreds of volunteers across our support services, running our events, contributing their skills to our committees and our Board. Read more
Sands Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement today that they have awarded significant new funding to launch a national stillbirth awareness campaign. Read more
Our sincere thanks for your support of our Walks to Remember, Wave of Light and Community events around Australia this October. Read more
The Safer Baby Bundle eLearning Resources launched today by Health Minister Greg Hunt, have the specific goal of reducing the rate of stillbirth from 28 weeks’ gestation by 20 per cent over the next three years. Read more
Early in 2019 grandparents from the Sands community participated in research by The University of Adelaide into grandparents' experiences of grief after stillbirth. The project's researchers have published their initial findings. Read more
Victoria’s first state Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at Melbourne Museum on Tuesday 15 October. Read more
We commend the Government's priorities to reduce the rate of stillbirth in Australia and to provide the best possible support services for families. Read more