New South Wales sees drop in organ donor registrations amid rising transplants

During DonateLife Week the New South Wales government urged more people to register as organ and tissue donors after data showed a decline in registrations despite an increase in transplant procedures. State health officials noted that only 41% of eligible residents are on the Australian Organ Donor Register, compared with a national average of 35%. In the Penrith region, registration fell to 39%, a 16% year‑on‑year drop.

Health Minister Ryan Park stressed that a single registration can save lives and encouraged families to discuss donor decisions. Transplant recipient Luka‑Angel Cairns, who received a heart transplant a decade ago, highlighted the impact of donor consent, saying, “One minute to register could be someone else’s next 10 years.” The campaign urges anyone to register online at donatelife.gov.au or through Medicare.