The Australian government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
When Carol died suddenly, her family were left in disbelief. During the fog of shock and grief, they learnt Carol was a registered organ and tissue donor. It wasn’t something they had discussed as a family, but it was a fact that didn’t surprise them at all.
In life, Carol was vibrant, busy, caring and helpful. She didn’t waste a moment. Carol adored her partner, and her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she joyfully cared for often.
Says her daughter-in-law, Laura, “Carol was one of those people that was full of life and made you feel good. She always wanted to be helpful and was often going out of her way to help others.”
Laura says knowing that organ and tissue donation was Carol’s wish, helped make the decision to say yes to donation easier for the family.
“Knowing she was registered made us want to respect and honour her wishes. We thought, ‘Why wouldn’t her great love of helping others not continue, even with her tragic passing? It totally made sense. That’s her legacy,” says Laura.
“One of her greatest gifts is the fact that even as she grew her angel wings that she could give the gift of a second chance to at least six others. Carol was able to donate her lungs, liver, kidneys, corneas and other eye tissue. This brings us some light and comfort in the darkness of adapting to our new life without her.”
