Data from the Australian Organ Donor Register shows that Greater Shepparton has witnessed a decline in its number of registered organ and tissue donors.
From the 411 individuals aged 16 and over recorded in 2022, the figure has alarmingly fallen to 322 in 2023.
This marks only 27 per cent of the local population.
But it’s more than just Greater Shepparton experiencing these numbers.
This downturn is mirrored across Victoria despite the urgent need for more donors to tackle the extensive waitlists for organ transplants nationwide.
According to the AODR, Victoria saw over 40,000 new registrations in 2023, but the number of actual organ donors and successful transplantations slightly decreased from the previous year.
With 1800 Australians waiting for organ transplants and another 14,000 requiring kidney dialysis, the impact of organ donation has never been more critical.
Tragically, over 50 Australians lost their lives last year while waiting for a transplant.
On a broader scale, the statistics show a puzzling contradiction.
Although 80 per cent of Australians express support for organ donation, only 36 per cent nationwide (23 per cent in Victoria) have officially registered as donors.
This discrepancy indicates mass potential to increase donor numbers and save lives significantly.
DonateLife has estimated that adding three million registrants could result in about 100 more life-saving transplants annually.
“Our dedicated organ donation teams across Victoria work tirelessly to maximise every opportunity to save a life through transplant,” DonateLife Victoria state medical director Dr Rohit D’Costa said.
“But the reality is, there simply aren’t enough donors in Victoria to match the waitlist.
“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone in Victoria to please register as an organ and tissue donor.”
In light of the pressing need, this year’s DonateLife Week theme resonates deeply: ‘Be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life.’
From now until Sunday, August 4 and beyond, all are encouraged to take a simple but profound step by registering as a donor and discussing this decision with family members.
To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.donatelife.gov.au or use the Express Plus Medicare app.
