Tomorrow marks the beginning of DonateLife Week, a time to promote the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation.
Tasmanians are ahead of the nation in the number of organ donors and we want to continue to have more Tasmanians to sign up to the donor register so we can help save lives.
Today I met with Andrew Grubert, a Launceston man whose health is deteriorating as he waits for a liver transplant.
Andrew’s situation is a timely reminder of the need to continue to encourage more people to join the organ and tissue donor register.
Together with his employer, Boags Brewery, Andrew is raising awareness within his workplace and the community during DonateLife Week, to promote the importance of people registering as an organ and tissue donor, and most importantly discussing their donation decisions with family members and loved ones.
Boags, as Andrew’s employer, have shown tremendous support during this difficult time, helping him to keep working while he manages his condition.
At any one time around 1600 Australians like Andrew are on transplant waiting lists.
I encourage all Tasmanians to discuss registering as an organ and tissue donor with their loved ones, during DonateLife Week
DonateLife Week will be officially launched tomorrow by Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania, at an official event at Government House.
For more information and to join the online conversation during DonateLife Week visit: http://www.donatelife.gov.au/sayYES