about me

Tracey

My name is Tracey, and I live on a small farm in Southern Tasmania
Navigating my own life experiences and discovering their deeper purpose inspired me to fulfill a long-held goal — to provide personalised support for people nearing the end of their lives.
After more than 20 years in nursing across a variety of healthcare settings, I witnessed many people pass without the support, comfort, or companionship they deserved. These encounters prompted my transition from formal healthcare services to working as an End of Life Doula — a role that allows me to be part of the solution and help bridge the gaps in our current end-of-life care model.
As an End of Life Doula, I work alongside Tasmania’s trusted palliative care and hospice teams, complementing their formal services to ensure people can experience a complete and authentic end of life — one that is not dominated solely by the medical model, but grounded in compassion, dignity, and choice.
Tracey Rusden
Having supported people in various stages of vulnerability throughout my career, I bring a diverse skill set and a natural ability to assist those facing challenging circumstances. My approach is person-centred and holistic, honouring the individuality of each client and their loved ones. I bring professionalism, compassion, love, and even laughter into my work — because I believe connection and lightness have a place, even in our final chapters.
I am a strong advocate for having open conversations about our end-of-life wishes. Discussing and documenting our choices for Advanced Care Directives, care preferences, and body care or burial arrangements can bring immense peace of mind — both for ourselves and for our families. Having done this for myself, I feel comforted knowing my loved ones will be emotionally present, rather than burdened by difficult decisions.
It is a deep honour to offer my services to the Tasmanian community. My role is to provide information, resources, and support so that you can make informed choices and remain in full control of the level of support you seek. Whether you need help with information gathering, Advance Care Planning, or gentle presence and support in your final moments — these choices are entirely yours.
I have great respect for each person’s right to shape an end-of-life experience that reflects their beliefs, traditions, and values. I will walk alongside you, helping you navigate the services available so that you and your loved ones receive the best possible care.
Imagine This…
Rather than settling for today’s conventional approach to dying, death, and bereavement, imagine returning to a more traditional and human-centred way — caring for our dying at home or in their chosen environment, surrounded by familiar people, pets, and comforts.
How so?
By working together, we can create space for open, honest conversations about death and dying. With gentle guidance and a little forward planning, we can design an end-of-life experience that truly honours you — your life, your values, and your wishes.

My Qualifications

Certified End of Life Doula, ‘Preparing the Way’ with Helen Callanan
Nursing work history; Community Aged Care- Practice nurse, Care Coordinator, Residential Aged Care, Palliative Care, Dementia specific care and acute ward-based nursing

Membership/Associations

Treasurer for the Australian Home Funeral Alliance
Member of The Australian Doula College
Member of The National Death Advocacy Network
HELD: Holistic End of Life Services & Deathcare Australia
Palliative Care Tasmania
national End of Life Doula Alliance
First Aid Certificate checks
Public Liability Insurance
Police & Working with Children
AHFA
HELD
NEDA
ndan_member