MADELEINE WILSON

Hey, I’m Madeleine—more often known as Maddy, Mads, or Aunty Murr. I’m a daughter, a sister, a niece, a friend, an aunty, and someone who has been navigating life after the loss of my dad for over five years now.

On November 25th, 2019, my world was changed forever when my dad passed away. Losing him was not something I could prepare for, and honestly, it’s still something I can’t make sense of. There’s no neat explanation, no "everything happens for a reason" to comfort me. He’s just gone, and that’s something I’m still learning to live with.

Grief has a funny way of making you feel like you’re stuck in one place, while the world around you keeps spinning. For years, I struggled to find my footing and, most of all, a community that understood the kind of loss I was experiencing. It’s not easy to find people who get it, and sometimes it feels like you're alone in your grief.

But over time, I’ve realised that grieving doesn’t have to be something we do in isolation. We don’t have to have all the answers, we just need to show up, to feel it all, and to honour the people we’ve lost in our own ways.

This is my journey. Still figuring things out, still missing my dad every single day, but also learning how to carry his love with me through it all.

ABOUT SO HERE WE ARE

So Here We Are is a community built for those who are grieving, especially young people who often feel like there’s no space where their unique experiences are understood. Grief can be isolating at any age, but it can feel especially overwhelming when you're navigating it in your twenties or thirties. That’s why we created a space where young adults—those aged 18 to 33—can come together, share their stories, and connect with others who truly get what they’re going through.

Grief doesn’t have to be something we face alone. So Here We Are is a place where you’re seen, heard, and understood, no matter where you are in your grieving journey. Whether you're in the early stages or still feeling the weight of a loss years later, this space is meant for you. We’re here to provide comfort, support, and connection, with no pressure to "move on" or meet any expectations. You can grieve at your own pace, and we’re here to walk with you.

What can you expect from this community? Expect to find a space where you can truly be yourself—no pretending, no masks. You’ll have opportunities to join meetups where we come together to talk openly about grief, share our stories, and offer each other support. You’ll connect with people who understand exactly what you're going through.

In addition to our meetups, we’ll host events like yoga sessions that help you reconnect with your body, release tension, and find comfort amidst your grief. Whether you prefer quiet, reflective moments or more lively, interactive gatherings, we’re here to create a space where you can be yourself and feel supported.

At So Here We Are, we’re not about perfection or doing things the "right" way. We’re about showing up for each other, being real, and creating a community where every voice matters. No one should ever have to grieve alone—and here, you don’t have to.

  • So Here We Are is a community for young adults (18–35 years old) who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We provide a safe and supportive space to share your experiences, connect with others who understand, and heal together. Whether you're newly grieving or have been navigating your grief for years, we're here for you.

  • We offer a variety of events designed to help you connect with others and move through grief together. These include casual meetups where we talk openly about grief, share our journeys, and support each other. We also host events like yoga sessions aimed at helping you reconnect with your body, release tension, and find some peace amidst the emotions of grief. Our goal is to provide a range of activities that cater to different needs and healing styles.

  • No, there are no timelines or “right” stages for grief. Whether you’re in the early stages of grief or have been grieving for years, this community is here to support you wherever you are in your journey.

  • Our meetups are a chance for people to come together, share their stories, and talk openly about grief in a safe, judgment-free environment. Expect conversations that are real, raw, and supportive—no one will pressure you to “move on” or “get better.” It’s about sharing and being there for each other, no matter where you're at.

  • Absolutely not! You can attend events that feel right for you. Whether it’s a yoga session, a casual catch-up, or a more structured discussion, you are welcome to join when it feels comfortable. There’s no pressure to attend everything or to be anything other than yourself.

  • We host a variety of events including:

    • Grief-focused meetups: Open conversations about grief, where we share and support one another.

    • Yoga and mindfulness sessions: Designed to help you reconnect with your body, release tension, and find some peace amidst the storm of emotions.

    • Social gatherings: A chance to simply hang out and build connections with others who understand.

  • For in-person events, we’re currently focused on Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, but we’ll provide updates about where and when events are happening. In the future, we hope to expand to more locations and potentially offer online events for those who can’t attend in person.

  • You can stay updated by following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter. We’ll regularly share details about upcoming events, new meetups, and any important updates.

  • It’s completely okay to feel unsure. If you’re new to the idea of joining a grief community, take your time. You’re welcome to follow us on social media and learn more about what we offer before deciding. We’re here to support you however and whenever you’re ready.