I cannot believe how quickly it has come around, but another year is coming to an end.
Once again, our amazing network of DonateLife staff, partners, volunteers and stakeholders across the health sector and government have all worked tirelessly throughout the year to support the national program. I acknowledge and sincerely thank everyone for their efforts. People remain at the heart of everything we do, and it is a privilege to lead a program that makes real differences to people’s lives.
Sometimes the work we do can be stressful and emotional. The news cycle has also presented challenging, and sometimes confronting, viewing throughout the year. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to not just reflect on the year that was, but also to focus on your own health and wellbeing.
I hope you can take some time to enjoy the summer sunshine, rest, relax and spend time with your loved ones over Christmas and the holiday period. I’m looking forward to time with my girls over their school holidays and making the most of the sunshine by getting outside and being active!
Meanwhile, the lead up to the end of year remains productive as always.
A recent highlight was joining many DonateLife Network colleagues at the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP) Conference in Las Vegas in October. It was very engaging and a fabulous opportunity to reconnect with our international colleagues whom I have not seen since 2019. Australia was well represented, and I was very proud of everyone who shared the Australian experience with lots of guest speaking roles, abstracts, posters and presentations delivered.
A highlight for December was attending the official launch of Parliamentary Friends of Kidney Health at Parliament House this month. Here I am pictured with Kidney Health Australia’s Chair (Prof Carol Pollock who is also on our Board) and Chris Forbes the CEO with their ‘kidney’ mascot.
With only one month to go of 2023, donation and transplantation activity is tracking upwards compared to this time last year – importantly meaning more people have received a life changing transplant. Thank you to everyone for your dedication and commitment over the past 12 months. I look forward to sharing more data when we release the 2023 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report in February.
Warm wishes and season’s greetings,
Lucinda
OTA updates
What's coming up
| Date | Activity |
| 20 February | Gift of Life Walk, Canberra |
| End February | 2023 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report release |
| 4 to 8 March | State and territory progress report meetings |
| 5 to 6 March | Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand + Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia inaugural conference |
| 7 to 8 March | ANZCS & Eye Bank Meeting 2024 |
| 20 March | Pediatric Working Group |
Year to date data – January to October 2023
Donation and transplant outcomes to the end of October 2023, while lower than peak outcomes reached in 2019, appear to be recovering post the declines experienced in COVID years (2020-22). There were:
- 412 deceased donors for Jan-Oct, a 14.8% increase on the same period in 2022 (359)
- 1127 transplant recipients for Jan-Oct, a 17% increase on the same period in 2022 (963).
The DonateLife Audit data to the end of October 2023 shows a national consent rate of 54%, up 1% from 53% during the same period in 2022. Other key metrics include:
- 85% overall referral rate, up from 83% during the same period in 2022
- 84% of staff raised discussions involved a Donation Specialist Nurse, up from 80% during the same period in 2022.
Congratulations Helen
Our National Medical Director, Associate Professor Helen Opdam was announced President of the International Society of Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP) at the ISODP Congress in Las Vegas, held from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 October.
ISODP is the leading international organisation for advancing donation through science, developing professionals, and promoting ethical donation practices to improve access to and outcomes from transplantation worldwide. They host an international Congress every other year, alternating with The Transplantation Society (TTS) Congress. The next ISODP Congress is in Kyoto, Japan from Monday 3 to Thursday 6 December 2025.
ISODP has a diverse membership from all regions including countries with advanced, and those with developing, donation and transplantation systems. They seek to assist all countries to develop ethical and sustainable donation and transplantation practices. The goal is to promote best practices, eliminate transplant tourism and substantially decrease transplant waitlists.
Helen has also just returned from a global summit in Santander, Spain organised by the Spanish National Transplant Organisation along with the World Health Organisation and Council of Europe. The summit focused on developing international consensus recommendations to address current challenges and agree to new directions for organ donation and transplantation.
2024 DonateLife Community Awareness Grants
The OTA’s annual community grants round is back again in 2024. The focus next year is partnering with organisations who can help us to raise awareness and build trust about organ and tissue donation within Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, multicultural and faith groups all across Australia.
There is up to $400,000 in funding available across two categories:
- create digital content and resources for communities
- run a DonateLife Week 2024 event or activity for communities.
The grants will open for applications early next year.
Janette Hall Scholarship opening soon for applications
The next round of the Janette Hall Professional Training and Development Scholarship Program will open for submissions on Monday 15 January, and close on Wednesday 28 February 2024 at 5pm.
The Janette Hall Scholarship is provided in memory of Janette Hall, a donation specialist nurse who became an organ and tissue donor in December 2010. It was established to support the professional development of staff working within the DonateLife Network.
The Scholarship, having undergone some changes, consists of two rounds per year, in February and August. These improvements will afford more DonateLife staff the opportunity to access financial support.
Nurses and allied health professionals (or other relevant professionals) who are currently employed and working as part of the DonateLife Network can apply. Applicants are encouraged to apply with an activity that will increase their organ donation related knowledge, skills, and abilities, with clear relevance to the OTA Strategy 2022-2027. Applicants may apply for funding for a domestic or international activity, including conferences, training courses, workshops, and study tours.
The Scholarship round in July 2023 was very successful, with scholarships awarded to six recipients who applied for a broad range of activities including online courses, national and international courses, and conferences. The funding ranged from $775 to $9052 per recipient. These activities will greatly benefit the individuals, as well as the DonateLife Network and the National Donation Program.
The Scholarship Guideline for Applicants and other relevant documents are available on the LMS. If you have any questions, please contact education@donatelife.gov.au.
Saffron Day
In October, we supported Saffron Day across the country again this year, in honour of 7-year-old organ donor Deyaan Udani. We wore orange, Deyaan’s favourite colour and shared our support on social media. Saffron Day urges all Australians to register and let their family know they want to be a donor.
Deyaan tragically passed away while on a family holiday in India in 2016. However, his family remembered a conversation they’d had after Deyaan learned about organ donation at school in Sydney. This conversation had made it clear to them that organ donation was what Deyaan would have wanted in the circumstances – and their decision to honour Deyaan’s wishes helped save the lives of 4 people.
Thank You Day
The third Sunday of every November is a special day on our calendar – it’s DonateLife Thank You Day.
Thank You Day is a day where we pause, remember and thank those Australians who gave the ultimate gift through organ and tissue donation. Importantly it gives people have received a transplant the chance to show their heartfelt gratitude to donors and their families.
By shining a spotlight on the importance of organ and tissue donation, Thank You Day also serves as a reminder for Aussies to register and talk to their family about donation.
Keep reading for more Services of Remembrance updates – held around DonateLife Thank You Day in Newcastle on Sunday 29 October, Tasmania on Saturday 11 November, Victoria and Sydney on Saturday 18 November, WA on Sunday 26 November. South Australia’s Rose Planting Ceremony was held on Sunday 19 November.
Premiere of ‘Second Chance Champions’
Dentsu Creative collaborated with Transplant Australia to film Second Chance Champions, which premiered on Thank You Day. This documentary tells the story of athletes competing in the World Transplant Games, held in Perth earlier this year. If you have 30 minutes, we’d encourage you to watch on-demand on 10 Play.
Network news
DonateLife NSW
Reflect and remember
The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service hosts services of reflection and remembrance each year. These services recognise individuals who generously gave the gift of life to others through organ and tissue donation. People come together at the Service of Remembrance to pay special tribute to donors and their families.
In 2023, the service in Sydney took place on Saturday 18 November at the Northside Conference Centre, St Leonards. Dr Kerry Chant, the NSW Chief Health Officer, hosted the event as the MC.
A fond farewell
After more than a decade as director, Professor Gerard Sutton leaves his directorship at the NSW Tissue Bank. He will focus on Indigenous Eye Health and aiding BIENCO, an Australian consortium pioneering cornea bioengineering, to gain global recognition. As Medical Director, Professor Sutton significantly elevated the NSW Tissue Bank’s profile and stature.
Sharn Dowsett-Moeahu, the Tissue Bank’s Director, expressed gratitude for Professor Sutton’s work: “Gerard’s strategic guidance and expertise will be greatly missed. On behalf of all the staff at NSW Tissue Bank, I want to express our deepest appreciation for your significant years of service and your remarkable contribution.”
The bright lights
In October, NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Network staff participated in a three-day conference in Las Vegas. Delegates worldwide met to discuss new technologies, research, processes and initiatives for organ donation. Staff also toured organ procurement organisations.
DonateLife ACT
Hybrid working during Canberra Hospital build
Construction of the new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital is advancing smoothly, bustling with activity. Due to this project, the DonateLife team has moved, decluttering and bidding farewell to our former offices. The team has settled into a hybrid work model, spanning ICU, the main hospital, and working from home.
We really appreciate you!
Jersey Day and Saffron Day both enjoyed strong campus-wide support. On Thank You Day, we hosted morning tea in ICU and afternoon tea in Theatres to express gratitude to staff for assisting and supporting DonateLife ACT. Our appreciation extended to other campus teams, like sterilising and food services, for their ongoing support.
Staff Stirrings
Amy Hicks, after a decade as a Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator (DSNC) at DonateLife ACT, moves to coordinate undergraduate Nursing students at North Canberra Hospital. Her departure leaves a gap, but she’s graciously available for occasional weekend shifts to ease the transition.
We warmly welcome Siobhan Jolly and Jean-Christophe (JC) Chatelin, transitioning from Canberra Hospital ICU to permanent DSNC roles.
Narelle Comer, our new part-time Clinical Manager, brings extensive management experience across ACT facilities, fostering stronger connections throughout Canberra’s departments.
Recruitment for the Communications and Engagement position is in its final stages.
DonateLife NT
Students get the down low on organ donation
Darwin Middle School hosted a Health Expo on Wednesday 6 September, where local healthcare providers set up stalls in the gymnasium. Each student received a sheet with questions to ask at each stall. After visiting every stall, engaging with providers, and answering all questions, students entered a draw for a prize.
The DonateLife NT stall saw a surge in student interest, particularly about the number of organs one deceased person can donate. Engaging discussions unfolded, covering which organs can be donated, the criteria for recipient selection, and circumstances for becoming an organ donor. Tissue donation, especially eye tissue donation, sparked considerable interest among the students.
Engaging with First Nations students
Leigh Hill and Alison Watters travelled 100km south of Darwin to the Batchelor Institute on Tuesday 29 August. This is the only First Nations dual-sector tertiary education provider in Australia.
Leigh conducted a dynamic 1.5-hour organ donation education session for 40 Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) students enrolled in Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care. The session was highly interactive, sparking group discussions on various topics. This included:
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the sequencing of medical suitability assessment and family discussion
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directed donation options
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matching Indigenous donors with recipients
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transplant success rates
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organ allocation
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the spiritual significance of organ donation.
This ongoing community engagement remains crucial to DonateLife NT. It facilitates the exchange of organ donation information within the AHP and broader community. Additionally, it provided a new Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator an opportunity to observe community information needs and learn effective ways to provide relevant knowledge.
Katherine P.A.R.T.Y
On Friday 10 November, Alison Watters travelled 330km from Darwin to join the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre team in Katherine for the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) program. The program targets high school students.
The day featured theoretical sessions, impactful videos, real-life narratives, and hands-on simulations. Students actively engaged in a simulation by assisting a teenager who had a severe head injury after falling into Katherine Hot Springs. They also watched a realistic scenario of a family donation conversation between a DonateLife Nurse and the grieving ‘mother’ of the brain-dead girl.
Moving stories shared at a Probus meeting
DonateLife NT presented at a Probus meeting held at the Darwin Buff Club on Tuesday 14 November. A donor father invited them, who shared his family’s experience of donating his son’s organs. A recipient’s wife also shared their challenging wait for lung transplantation and expressed gratitude for the additional 7 years it granted her husband, giving him precious moments with their grandchildren. The presentation resonated well with the audience, sparking insightful discussions. This has opened the door to speak at other Probus groups in Darwin and Palmerston.
Thank You Day cupcakes
DonateLife NT expressed gratitude to the Royal Darwin Hospital ICU and Operating Team staff on Thank You day with a gift of cupcakes. Thank you to the teams for supporting organ and tissue donation!
DonateLife WA
Out and about
The WA network have delivered a range of engagements:
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Fiona Stanley Hospital hosted a Perioperative Workshop on Tuesday 1 August, with a great turnout of 35 attendees.
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Dr David Blythe, DonateLife WA Medical Director, briefed the WA Country Health Service Clinical Council on organ and tissue donation processes. He discussed the current provision of organ donation for patients from rural and regional areas, along with potential plans for expanding services, focusing on Bunbury.
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Melissa Smith presented an overview of DonateLife and the organ and tissue donation retrieval processes at the WA Kidney Transplant Service (WAKTS) Symposium on Thursday 9 November.
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Naomi Nelson and Shanae Abrahams presented about the Aboriginal Yarning project to the WA Rural Health Forum on Saturday 18 November.
Panoramic views set the scene for a moving service
Jenny Duggan, Communications officer, and Sally Klifunis, Administration Officer, prepared WA’s Annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday 26 November.
It was a scorching spring morning at City Beach Foreshore. Despite the heat, 130 individuals, including more than 100 donor families, attended. Verity James hosted the event, which featured remarkable guest speakers like Sarah Kerr, a double lung transplant recipient, and Chelna Mare, the wife of donor ‘Billy’.
Staff Stirrings
Recruitment and interviews for the Operations Manager position have now closed. The successful applicant will be announced soon.
Julie Crouch, our WA Jurisdictional Advisory Committee representative, accomplished her first-ever marathon in October – the 40km Perth Marathon. Only 0.17% of people worldwide have run a marathon. What’s even more impressive is that a year ago, Julie could only run 10km! Julie’s a member of WOWLERS, a community running group in Wembley and West Leederville that promotes neighbourly connections and physical activity.
DonateLife VIC
Lifeblood app prompt will help increase registrations
Lifeblood and DonateLife Victoria worked together to add a prompt to register as an organ and tissue donor on the Lifeblood app. This went live on Tuesday 31 October. This addition to the app will increase community reach significantly across the country. The app is currently used over 30,000 times a month for blood donors to make donor appointments. We look forward to tracking the impact this has on registrations in Victoria.
As of Wednesday 6 December, there were 612 new registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Register via the app.
A fun day at the show
2023 marked our fourth year at the Melbourne Royal Show. Phoebe, along with our team of wonderful volunteers, worked at the DonateLife VIC stall to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. While crowds were down at the show this year, it was still great to have conversations with so many people about the life-changing gift of organ and tissue donation, and get people registered.
A moving service to remember
On Sunday 19 November, DonateLife Victoria held their annual Service of Remembrance, to honour organ and tissue donors and their families. Two donor families and two recipient families spoke at the service, which was a moving experience for all. Around 200 people attended the service and afternoon tea.
In the media: Thank You Day
Liver recipient Jessica Chappell’s story was featured in the Geelong Advertiser on Tuesday 14 November, to coincide with Thank You Day. The article also appeared in the Herald Sun and was syndicated nationally.
In the media: Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
Earlier this year, Victorian Marlene Bevern became the first Australian person to generously donate her organs after Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Thank you to Liz Sonntag for all her work to get Marlene's story beautifully shared via the ABC.
On Friday 22 September, the ABC ran a suite of stories across TV, radio and online about Marlene. Her story, as well as an interview with Marlene’s son Scott Bevern and DonateLife Victoria State Medical Director, Rohit D’Costa, aired on ABC Radio Melbourne 774 with Raf Epstein.
The Ballarat Courier published a story on Tuesday 26 September. An interview for Radio National’s ‘The Law Report’ aired the same day, with host Damien Carrick speaking to Rohit and Dr James Hurley, Marlene’s VAD clinician.
A VAD factsheet has been published on the DonateLife website.
Staff Stirrings
In September, we said farewell to Anna Jagoe, our Nurse Donation Specialist (NDS) at Albury and Kate Cook, our Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator (DSNC) at Eastern Health. We thank Anna and Kate for their contributions to donation here in Victoria.
In October, the Education team welcomed back Indra Gramnea from maternity leave and said farewell to Ciara McGuigan as she started her maternity leave. We also welcomed Danielle Dobie to the NDS position at Bendigo Health. Danielle Griffiths was successful in obtaining the Nursing position at Peninsula Health, leaving her position as a DSNC at Monash Health.
DonateLife QLD
Fun for all in Brisbane
Sophie, a heart recipient and kidney waitlist candidate, and Mandy, a kidney recipient, proudly represented DonateLife at the Moorooka Lions Family Fun Day in Brisbane. At the DonateLife stall, a spinner wheel attracted young children, giving Mandy and Sophie the chance to invite them to spin and win prizes. Their strategy? Encourage the kids to bring over their parents for a conversation before spinning the wheel. It proved to be an effective and engaging way to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation, fostering meaningful conversations between families throughout the event.
School’s out!
13,000 high school graduates flocked to the sunny Gold Coast from Saturday 18 to Saturday 25 November for a week of Schoolies. The graduates were eager to kick off the week at Registration Day, where our DonateLife stall was also present to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. DonateLife Queensland Community Champions Tracey and Jordan were eager to chat with the students and wish them well.
Tracey, who lost her son in a bike accident, regularly attends Services of Remembrance on the Gold Coast, honouring her son and donor families. She now works as a disability support officer.
Jordan received a liver transplant during Grade 12, causing him to miss his first Schoolies due to hospital visits. He currently serves as a nurse at the PA Hospital in Brisbane.
Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts, also attended Schoolies. She promptly checked her registration status on the DonateLife website, having initially registered via her license years ago.
Everyone’s a winner at the Sherwood Festival
Donation Specialist Nurse Shontelle and Community Champion Stephanie (liver recipient) represented DonateLife at the Sherwood Festival, a Brisbane City Council community event. From bouncy castles to fairy floss stalls, the kids and their families were spoilt for choice with activities and events. The DonateLife spinner wheel was also a great hit with many kids coming up to win a prize or two, and their parents given information and brochures on how to register. It was a great opportunity for our staff and volunteers to be out in the community, raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.
Brisbane students gain insight at a dialysis unit
High school students visited the dialysis unit and gained insight into the process of dialysis, organ transplantation and donation at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. This was part of the Year 10 and 11 students' health and physical education curriculum where they conduct a research report on strategies to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. During their visit, students met transplant recipients and waitlist patients who were on dialysis. They were able to ask questions, such as their diet and what life is like for them.
A great day to run for a cause
A group of lively and energetic DonateLife supporters gathered to form a team for the Cairns Park Run. It was a beautiful sunny day as they ran along the coast in their magenta singlets, soaking in the sights and sounds of tropical Cairns while raising awareness of organ and tissue donation.
Success at the Townsville Running Festival
A team of 74 runners joined the DonateLife team to run 5km at the Townsville Running Festival. It was a great atmosphere with families, friends and colleagues cheering each other on. Amidst the sea of magenta, the team won first place in three categories - women's corporate team, mixed corporate team, and biggest corporate team.
2023 Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Excellence Awards
Congratulations to Ian Rogers, Donation Specialist Nurse Coordinator at Hervey Bay Hospital, for being a finalist in the Board Values Ambassador Award at the 2023 Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Awards. There were over 270 nominations from the region, celebrating staff who embody organisational values and provide care, connection, commitment, and compassion.
The awards night in November honoured staff who reflect these values. Among the attendees were Shannon Fentiman, Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services and Women, alongside Michael Walsh, Acting Director General of Queensland Health.
Jersey Day and Saffron Day
The DonateLife Queensland network supported Jersey Day and Saffron Day in local hospitals and volunteer groups.
Tina shares her expertise at ISODP
Tina Coco, Queensland State Agency Manager and Leo Nunnink, State Medical Director, Participated in the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement’s (ISODP) Organ Donation Congress in Las Vegas. Tina, a member of the ISODP Council, chaired three sessions and delivered a presentation on the topic ‘Family Approach: Art or Science?’.
In a packed schedule, Tina also conducted training sessions, lectures, and workshops on family donor conversations at the Transplant Procurement Management Advanced International Training Course. With over 16 years of experience speaking at the University of Barcelona, Tina is one of ten international teachers at this course, which hosted 67 students from 22 countries.
Staff stirrings
Jess Matthias joined our DonateLife QLD agency in November and is based at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. She replaced Lisa Mewburn who is on maternity leave. Jess is an experienced ICU nurse who will be working alongside Donation Specialist Nurse Lorraine as part of a job-share. Jess has a passion for organ and tissue donation and is already making a positive impact.
DonateLife TAS
Light, hope and love
On Saturday 11 November, DonateLife Tasmania held its first Remembrance service for our donor family and transplant recipient network since 2019, due to the pandemic. Themed ‘Light, hope and love’, the event featured heartfelt reflections from representatives of both donor families and recipients. The Hobart Harmony Choir and a local harpist provided support. Cottage Bakery also participated, where a donor family has been providing a Remembrance cake for over 8 years.
Reception was positive, evident in the significant turnout of donor families and transplant recipients. The event was truly successfully in uniting our community.
Saffron day
DonateLife Tasmania staff showed our support for Saffron day in October by showcasing orange, Deyaan’s favourite colour, in the city of Hobart. They raised awareness of the importance of talking about organ donation with family and registering to be an organ and tissue donor.
Staff Stirrings
In September, we welcomed Zoe Butler, our new Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator, to the Tasmanian team. With a decade of nursing experience across various critical care settings and Ambulance Tasmania, Zoe brings valuable expertise. Based at Launceston General Hospital, Zoe is looking forward to using her passion for providing compassionate and high-quality end of life in this rewarding role. Outside work, Zoe enjoys outdoor activities like traveling, hiking, surfing, skiing, and gardening. She lives with her partner and their spirited cat, Mavis.
DonateLife SA
SA/NT Donation and Transplant Educational Symposium 2023
The South Australian Transplantation and Organ Donation Advisory Council and DonateLife SA were pleased to reinvigorate this popular educational event for SA/NT. The event, held at the InterContinental Adelaide on Thursday 14 September, featured presentations on organ donation and transplantation, followed by a networking dinner. Around 85 attendees included clinical and non-clinical staff from DonateLife SA/NT, the transplantation sector and the Eye Bank of South Australia.
Road safety and donation conversations feature at event
From Tuesday 26 to Wednesday 27 September, DonateLife SA hosted DonateLife Victoria as they attended the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) Street Smart High event at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This free, annual road safety event demonstrates to over 10,500 students the realities of road trauma. DonateLife Victoria gained valuable insight, including key messages, impact on driver licences in SA and organ and tissue donation awareness amongst South Australian youth. A local organ donation story that was produced in SA was also shared for the first time at the event. The donor family was invited and present for the launch event.
The DonateLife SA team manned an expo stand over the lunch on both days, engaging students and raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. This is particularly important as many attendees will get their drivers licences soon and can opt to join the Australian Organ Donor Register as part of this process.
Amazing Grace
DonateLife SA held its annual Rose Planting Ceremony on Sunday 19 November at the Gift of Life Garden/Tulya Wardli Bonython Park to honour organ and tissue donors and their families. An Amazing Grace rose was planted to honour the 2022 organ and tissue donors and their families for giving many a second chance in life.
DonateLife SA has organised this ceremony since 2000, inviting all South Australian donor families and transplant recipients to this beautiful space for reflection and to plant a unique hybrid rose. The Rose Planting Ceremony coincides with DonateLife Thank You Day. Donor Family representative Brett Dalton and heart and lung transplant recipient Faye Ngo spoke at the event, joined by VIPs including The Hon. Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Nicola Centofanti MLC and Dr Stewart Moodie, State Medical Director of DonateLife SA.
Staff Stirrings
Meet Camila Lumsden, our Communications and Community Engagement Officer who joined DonateLife SA in October 2023. Originally from Brazil, Camila graduated in Communications – Journalism in 2014 and then migrated to Sydney. She studied a diploma of Public Relations in TAFE NSW and worked in the logistics industry for seven years. In 2022, Camila, her husband and their two children moved to Adelaide. They love going to parks and cafes.
What’s your role at DonateLife?
The National Training Coordinator. I’m never quite sure where we got that title from!
What does your role include?
It includes running workshops and working with all the facilitators of the core and practical Family Donation Conversation workshops. I (and two other coaches) also support donation nurses in learning the different ways that donation conversations can occur with families. My role has only ever had me in it, so I’ve been lucky enough to be able to make it my own.
What led you to your career?
I always wanted to be a nurse. Early on in my career I was drawn to being with families at the beginning and end of life. I practised as a midwife for a few years and also worked in Intensive Care. Intensive Care won out and organ donation seemed a natural place to transition to after tiring of the endless shift work in ICU. I have loved being with families at end of life and making that experience as memorable and special as it can be.
What was your first job?
Working at Just Jeans. In those days, we wore the floor stock while working and then put the clothes back on the shelves. We also used to help people squeeze into jeans (before stretch jeans were around).
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A bit of both, which can backfire!
Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?
If I have to choose, it will be a dog because cats sometimes like to kill birds. I do like well-behaved cats though.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to eliminate all those introduced flora (prickly pear) and fauna (cane toads, rabbits).
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
I have to have a physio app (that must mean I’m getting old), Spotify and YouTube (love watching random music videos).
What’s your favourite sport to watch and which team do you barrack for?
I loved watching my girls play soccer when they were little. They were hopeless but I enjoyed seeing them run around. We often ended up watching the other games on the nearby ovals. I’m loving the rise of women’s sport in the media, and who didn’t love watching the Matildas.
What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?
Japanese cooking.
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
I’d love to go to Peru. I have a cousin who is a nun there. It would be great to see her and to understand more about her work with the local people. I would love to visit some of the Inca ruins.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
You do not ever want to hear me sing… I’m tone deaf.
Do you have news or feedback to share?
This update is a snapshot of news from across the DonateLife Network. We’d also like to continually improve our monthly update, and we welcome your feedback.
If you have an update to share, get in touch with your state or territory communications rep or email the OTA communications team.
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These updates are distributed to DonateLife staff across Australia, via the contact details within the DonateLife Learning Site. To update this distribution list, please speak to the education coordinator in your jurisdiction. We thank you for not sharing this update with anyone outside of the network.
