Page 1807 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 4 June 2014
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I would also like to thank the many table organisers, such as Melita Flynn and Capital Chemist who formed three tables, Sam and Graciette Ferreira of Pacific Formworks ACT, Robert Westropp-Evans from Luton Woden, Jim Roberts and ACTSport, the Catholic University, Rosary Primary School, Robert Howdin and Wendy Mason, Ian McLeod, Jacob Vadakkedathu, Sue White and Paula Nash from my office, Joe Prevedello, and Jeremy Hanson MLA, Brendan Smyth MLA, Andrew Wall MLA and Giulia Jones MLA. I would also like to thank John and Lee Hillier for coming along and supporting the night.
The teachers from Rosary Primary School ended up winning the trivia night in a very close call that was actually decided on the toss of a coin. It would be immodest of me to mention which table came second on the night, but I thank my staff and their table guests for their efforts and intellectual input.
Organ donation
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (6.37): I rise this evening to talk about a very important event which I attended on behalf of the Chief Minister on 17 May. The DonateLife ACT service of remembrance and thanksgiving is an annual event held to remember those who have donated organs after their deaths and saved the lives of many people from all parts of the community. I was proud to be able to light the remembrance candle on behalf of the Chief Minister.
The act of donation is a selfless act which can save more than 10 people who are in need of a transplant, provided that all the organs are viable for transplant. In 2013, 391 organ donors gave 1,122 Australians a new chance in life. The effectiveness of this process is seen purely in the numbers, let alone when the personal impact of such giving is seen through the eyes and stories of those who have received transplants and been given a priceless second chance at life.
Within the ACT last year there were six solid organ donors, which helped 23 individuals overcome their illnesses. Forty eye tissue donations were made for the aid of 83 recipients, more than two recipients per donation.
For the families of donors, the process can be quite stressful and traumatic, especially if they do not know of your intention to donate in the event of an accident or sudden death. It is important to follow the national theme for DonateLife for 2014: “Have the chat that saves. Discover, discuss and decide.”
Essentially, it is important, firstly, to keep your loved ones informed about your wishes so they know what to tell the appropriate authorities when the time comes. Registering on the Australian organ donation registry is also a very important step. This registry can be found at www.humanservices.gov.au. The form takes no more than five minutes to fill out and provides the appropriate authorities with your consent for your organs to be transplanted to help someone else in the event of your unexpected death.
The best way to understand the positive legacy that one leaves through organ donation is by hearing the stories of recipients and the families of donors. This was a very
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