Canberrans are being encouraged to help save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors during DonateLife Week which is on this week (24-31 July).
Leading the call, Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said DonateLife Week was the ideal time for people to have a chat about organ donation with their families.
“Organ and tissue donation can save and transform the lives of people who are seriously ill or dying,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“If you are willing to be an organ donor, make sure you’re registered and have that conversation,” she said.
“Explain that you have made the decision to become a donor and make your wishes clear.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said the COVID-19 pandemic impacted organ and tissue donation and transplantation across Australia and globally, but despite these challenges, Australians had continued to support donation in record numbers.
“I am pleased to advise that the ACT saw a 112 per cent increase in donor registrations in 2021 compared to 2020, with 9,877 new registrations,” the Minister said.
“By registering online – which takes just one minute – Canberrans could transform the life of someone in our community.”
She said that in acknowledgement of DonateLife Week, several iconic Canberra monuments were being lit up in magenta tones throughout the week, including the National Carillon, Old Parliament House, John Gorton Building, Telstra Tower, light rail stops, the Canberra Times Fountain, Malcolm Fraser Bridge, National Museum of Australia, the ANU Shine Dome, and the Royal Australian Mint.
