Australian Story airs tonight on ABC and ABC iview with The Final Act, an intimate episode following Tilda Cobham-Hervey as she records the final months and final message of her mother, dancer and choreographer Roz Hervey.
Roz was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2022. Rather than step away from the world, she chose to use the time she had left to celebrate life, make art, spend time with family and speak openly about voluntary assisted dying.
The episode gives Australian Story a deeply personal Monday night subject, with Tilda moving behind the camera to document her mother’s story from inside the family. That access places Roz’s voice at the centre of the program, including her final plea for more people to understand the end-of-life choices available to them.
What Happens On Australian Story Tonight
The Final Act follows Roz, her husband Geoff Cobham, Tilda and her brother Huey as they travel, laugh and make the most of the time available after Roz’s diagnosis.
Roz dedicated her life to art that pushed boundaries, and the episode shows how that same spirit shaped the way she faced death. She wanted to talk about dignity, choice and the idea of a good death without losing sight of joy, family and creative legacy.
Australian Story often finds national meaning through one person’s life. Tonight, Roz’s story touches on illness, family care, voluntary assisted dying and the memories left behind when a loved one decides to speak clearly in their final chapter.
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When To Watch
Australian Story: The Final Act airs tonight, Monday 17 August 2026, at 8.00pm on ABC. The episode is also available to stream on ABC iview.
For more ABC coverage, visit TV Central’s ABC section.
Stream Australian Story on ABC iview.
