NSW urges organ donor registrations as new sign-ups fall despite rise in transplants

DonateLife Week has begun with the NSW Government urging more people to register as organ and tissue donors and speak with their families about their decision, as new registrations continue to decline despite an increase in life-saving transplants.

The annual awareness campaign, which runs until 2 August, comes as NSW recorded 160 deceased organ donors in 2025, up 18 per cent on the previous year. Those donations led to 411 people receiving organ transplants, a 17 per cent increase compared with 2024.

Health authorities say the stronger donation figures have not been matched by new registrations. During 2025, 34,156 people in NSW joined the Australian Organ Donor Register, a 19 per cent drop from the previous year.

The campaign highlights the importance of discussing organ donation with family members, as relatives are asked to confirm and support a person’s decision before donation can proceed. According to NSW Health, eight out of ten families agree to donation when they know their loved one was a registered donor.

Health Minister Ryan Park said organ donation has a lasting impact on both donor and recipient families.

“Behind every donation is a family who said yes at a very hard moment of their lives, and another family who gets more time with the person they love,” Mr Park said.

“Organ donation can only happen in rare circumstances, which is why every single registration counts. It takes a minute to register and one conversation to let your family know your decision.”

He encouraged people to register through the Australian Organ Donor Register and discuss their choice with family members.

This year’s campaign features Newcastle heart transplant recipient Luka-Angel Cairns, who is marking ten years since receiving a donor heart. She is sharing her story to encourage more Australians to register and have conversations about organ donation.

“Ten years ago, a family said yes to donation, and I am here because of them. Every milestone I have reached since belongs partly to them,” Ms Cairns said.

“Registering takes a minute, and it can give someone like me a whole lifetime. Please register, and tell your family.”

Organ donation remains relatively uncommon because it is only possible under specific clinical circumstances. NSW Health says around two per cent of hospital deaths occur in situations where organ donation can proceed.

NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service Co-State Medical Director Dr Michael O’Leary said medical teams carefully assess every potential donor while following strict clinical and ethical requirements.

“Not everyone who dies can become a donor, and our teams work to identify every possible opportunity while maintaining strict clinical and ethical standards,” Dr O’Leary said.

“When someone is registered and their family knows their wishes, families almost always say yes. The kindest thing you can do for the people you love is make your decision clear.”

Nationally, around 1,800 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant, while a further 14,000 people are receiving dialysis treatment. More than 50 people die each year while waiting for a transplant.

To encourage registrations during DonateLife Week, landmarks across NSW will be lit in DonateLife magenta and community events will take place throughout the state, beginning with a community walk and celebration in Sydney.

NSW Health is again working with Service NSW to promote donor registration through the MyServiceNSW app, digital screens in service centres and other government communication channels.

Registering on the Australian Organ Donor Register takes about one minute using a Medicare card, with registration also available through the MyServiceNSW app.