Promotion of organ and tissue donation recognised

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today congratulated seven outstanding community members for their contribution in raising awareness for organ and tissue donation in the ACT and surrounding region, during this second, annual DonateLife week.

"The role of raising community awareness about organ and tissue donation is crucial to ensure we can continue to build on and sustain the increase in organ and tissue donation and guarantee that more Australians can benefit through transplantation," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister hosts the Awards for organ and tissue donation awareness in her role as Patron of Gift of Life Incorporated, the leading non-government body promoting organ and tissue donation in the ACT and surrounding region.

"Nationally in 2011, 337 donors saved or transformed the lives of 1001 people - a 30% increase in the donation rate since 2009. Additionally, 1144 Australians donated their corneas in 2011, restoring or improving sight for 1730 of their fellow Australians.

"As a result of the generosity of eight organ donors and their families in the ACT in 2011, 26 people received life saving organ transplants. In addition, more than 55 people received the gift of sight from eye tissue donors.

Recipients of the 2012 Awards were:

• Annette Taylor Award for Community Service - Rick McQualter.
• Mathew Reynolds Award for Community Service - Laurie and Marguerite Wiseman.
• Jenny Deck Award for Community Support - Pat Siciliano
• Ben Wiseman Award for Healthcare - Dhale Brown.
• Angus Fairbairn- Cody Award for Media Support - Greg Bayliss
• Terry Connolly Award for Community Awareness Raising - David Gough.

This week we also saw the passage of the Transplantation and Anatomy Amendment Bill 2011 through the Assembly, which will help improve the efficiency, effectiveness, timely delivery and quality of services in the area of organ and tissue donation, and also improve donation rates. "The Awards are a great end to a busy DonateLife week," the Chief Minister concluded.

To discover more about organ and tissue donation, what to do when you decide to become a potential donor and suggestions on how to discuss your wishes with your family visit http://www.donatelife.gov.au/