DonateLife urges NSW residents to register as organ donor numbers fall

Pottsville local Brenda Pratt is sharing her story during DonateLife Week in memory of her late husband, Tony, a former RAAF member and cattle farmer fondly known in the community as "Postman Pratt." Photo: SUPPLIED
DONATELIFE is urging NSW residents to talk to their families about organ donation as new figures show registrations have dropped by 11 per cent in the past year.
Around 1,800 people are currently on Australia’s organ transplant waiting lists.
In 2024, 42,040 people in NSW joined the Australian Organ Donor Register, down from the previous year. Only 41 per cent of NSW residents are currently registered.
DonateLife NSW co-state medical director Dr Michael O’Leary said families were more likely to consent to donation when their loved one had registered and discussed their decision.
“When a person is on the register, four in five families agree to donation,” he said.
“However, when a person hasn’t registered or discussed their decision, families agree to donation in only two out of five cases.”
Dr O’Leary said DonateLife Week, which runs from Sunday, July 27 to Sunday, August 3, was the ideal time for residents to make their wishes known.
“If you’d say yes to a transplant for yourself or someone you love, it makes sense to say yes to donation too,” he said.
“Registering is a powerful way to help save lives, but it only works if your family knows your wishes.”
DonateLife said taking one minute to register and sharing that decision with family could help save a life.
Residents can register as organ and tissue donors at donatelife.gov.au or through their Medicare account.
BY CHLOE WILLIAMS