DonateLife and AFL team up for lifesaving goal
19-Apr-2024
This weekend, football fans across the nation will be urged to join the Australian Organ Donor Register, as the Australian Football League (AFL) again teams up with DonateLife to promote lifesaving organ and tissue donation.
“To kick off DonateLife Week, Round 19 of the competition will focus on organ donation, with on-field signage to feature at all stadiums and goal umpires to wave magenta flags during matches,” said Ken Wyatt AM, the Minister responsible for DonateLife and the Australian Organ and Tissue Transplantation Authority.
“In 2017 our registrations grew by nearly 170,000. I congratulation the AFL on its decision to build on the success of last year’s promotion.”
Today, the Australian Organ and Tissue Transplantation Authority and AFL representatives were joined by young footy fan Amy Burrows-Dooley - a keen Melbourne supporter - who received a life-saving liver transplant when she was one year old.
“Last year, 1,675 Australians received a lifesaving transplant thanks to the generosity of 510 deceased and 273 living donors and their families,” said Minister Wyatt.
“But with around 1,400 Australians currently on the waiting list and 11,000 on kidney dialysis, stories like Amy’s remind us there is still much more to be done to ensure registration numbers keep growing.”
Minister Wyatt appealed to all football fans at this week’s matches or watching from home to help end the wait for those in need by registering to be a donor and telling their loved ones about their wishes.
“What a reward, to know that you are providing the gift of life,” the Minister said.
“Only one in three Australians have joined the Australian Organ Donor Register, even though 81% believe registration of donation decisions is important."
“It takes less than a minute to register your decision online and you can do it on your smartphone or tablet, all you need is your Medicare Card number.”
DonateLife Week runs from Sunday 29 July to Sunday 5 August.
To join the Australian Organ Donor Register or to find out how you can support DonateLife Week in your local area see the donatelife.gov.au website
