Today marks the launch of DonateLife Week 2025 and a major milestone, 50 years of organ donation in the Territory.
Minister Stephen-Smith acknowledged the extraordinary generosity and courage of donor families over the past five decades, and the life-changing impact their decisions have had on countless recipients.
"While DonateLife Week is always a special time, this year is truly extraordinary as we come together to commemorate 50 years since the first organ donation in the ACT," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"It is particularly meaningful to welcome the family of Annette Taylor, the ACT's first organ donor in 1975.
"Annette's legacy lives on, not only in the lives she saved, but in the foundation she helped to build for future generations of donors and their families in the ACT."
"Since that first act of generosity, organ and tissue donation in the ACT has evolved to provide many lifesaving transplants to individuals across the country. To every donor family, thank you. Your bravery and generosity in the face of unimaginable grief has given hope to so many.
"And to the recipients here today, may the gift you've received give you strength and a life filled with health, happiness and purpose."
DonateLife Week is a national awareness campaign encouraging Australians to talk to their families about organ and tissue donation and register their decision. While 4 in 5 Australians support donation, only one in 3 are currently registered.
In the ACT, just 28 per cent of eligible residents are on the Australian Organ Donor Register, which is below the national average.
"This is a call to action. If you support donation, make it known, register your decision and talk to your loved ones. It takes just one minute, but it can have a profound impact," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Despite the registration gap, the ACT community continues to demonstrate generosity. In 2024, 13 donors gave the ultimate gift, resulting in 42 lives transformed.
DonateLife ACT continues to actively raise awareness through community events, education programs, and health care partnerships. A key part of this effort includes collaboration with local schools through the P.A.R.T.Y. Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) educating students on the power of donation.
To mark the 50th anniversary and DonateLife Week 2025, a series of events will take place across the ACT:
- Canberra's national monuments will be illuminated in magenta to honour donors and promote awareness.
- Interactive community stalls at the Canberra Raiders home game and Netball ACT State League.
- Promotions across health care settings, local shops, and cafés encouraging Canberrans to register their donation decision.
"Fifty years on, we reflect on an extraordinary legacy and look forward to a future where every opportunity to give the gift of life is realised," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Minister for Planning and Sustainable Development Chris Steel said Annette Taylor has left an important legacy for all Canberrans to remember.
"The ACT Government has named a street in the suburb of Macnamara 'Annette Street' to honour Annette Taylor and celebrate the legacy of organ donation in the ACT," Minister Steel said.
"Annette first expressed her wish to become an organ donor after learning about organ donation from a family friend who was the recipient of a life-saving kidney donation.
"When she unfortunately experienced an unexpected cerebral brain haemorrhage 3 weeks before her 12th birthday in 1975, Annette's mother, Marjorie, sought to fulfill her daughter's wishes. With the help of medical professionals in the ACT and NSW, Annette's kidneys were successfully donated to two recipients.
"Annette's request to have her organs donated sparked a chain of events that resulted in the ACT's first legislation on organ donation. She opened the door for more donations to follow, allowing for many life-saving donations to take place since then and future generations will remain inspired by her courage and selflessness as we are today," said Minister Steel.
