Culturally diverse communities
When language, distance and culture complicate grief.
For people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, grief in Australia can carry extra layers: distance from homeland, language barriers, customs that are misunderstood, and family obligations that span continents.
Grieving far from home
If a family member has died in another country, or if you cannot travel home for the funeral, the grief of distance can compound the grief of loss. Many migrant families describe a particular ache of not being there — not being able to wash the body, say goodbye, sit with the community.
Holding your own small ritual in Australia — at home, at a place of worship, with the people who are here — is not a replacement. For many, it is something, and it matters.
Interpreter services
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 is free for people contacting Australian Government services. If you need help calling a helpline, Centrelink, or a hospital, TIS can provide a phone interpreter in most languages.
TIS National
Free interpreting for government services — 131 450
Community support
Your local multicultural centre, settlement service, or ethnic community council can often connect you with grief support in your own language, and with people who understand the cultural context of your loss.
See all 64 guides in Grief & healing →
From bluetulipco.com/library/grief/multicultural — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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