A new garden has been established in the National Arboretum in Canberra to recognise Australians affected by organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt said the Gift of Life Garden was one of three new gardens officially opened at the National Arboretum.
“It provides secluded and beautiful places for quiet reflection and appreciation, while also celebrating the generosity and healing that are part of each organ and tissue donation story,” Mr Wyatt said.
“The Gift of Life Garden has a heartbeat theme, including Australian and exotic species that change with the seasons, reflecting the cycle of life.”
He said organ and tissue donation could be lifesaving and life-changing, benefiting transplant recipients, their loved ones and the wider community.
“More than 10,000 Australians have received a life-saving transplant through the generosity of 3,464 deceased organ donors since the national program was introduced in 2009,” Mr Wyatt said.
He said that represented significant progress over the past nine years, but more could be done.
“The Gift of Life Garden will not only provide a tranquil setting for reflection by those touched by organ and tissue donation, it will also offer the many visitors to the National Arboretum an opportunity to contemplate the importance of donation and consider registering as a donor,” the Minister said.
