What’s Happening?
DonateLife Week has begun with a renewed call for Queenslanders to register as organ and tissue donors.
New data shows Queensland continues to trail the national donor registration rate. DonateLife wants residents to complete the process online or through Medicare.
The campaign also asks registered donors to discuss their decision with family members. Families are more likely to support donation when they understand their loved one’s wishes.
Australia’s annual DonateLife Week runs from Sunday, 26 July until Sunday, 2 August.
Why It Matters
Around 2,000 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant. For some patients, finding a suitable donor can determine whether they survive.
DonateLife Queensland Nursing Director Tina Coco AO said registration gives families clear guidance during an extremely difficult time.
“There are currently around 2,000 Australians on the organ transplant waitlist who need Australia’s help,” Ms Coco said. “For those waiting it can be a matter of life and death.”
Ms Coco urged Queenslanders to register and make their wishes known at home.
“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone to please register as an organ and tissue donor,” she said.
“Then, talk to your family, let them know you want to be a donor. Someone’s life depends on it. Registering as an organ and tissue donor is important because most families agree when they know you want to be a donor.”
Local Impact
Rockhampton recorded 397 new donor registrations during 2025, down from 533 registrations in 2024.
That represents a 26 per cent annual decline, despite almost one-third of eligible local residents already being registered.
The figures give Rockhampton residents a clear reason to revisit a task that takes only one minute. Registration remains open to anyone aged 16 or older.
By the Numbers
- Only 30% of eligible Queenslanders are registered, compared with 35 per cent nationally.
- One organ donor can save up to seven lives and assist many others through eye and tissue donation.
- Four small Queensland councils recorded rates of at least 40 per cent, including Barcoo, Bulloo, Quilpie and Winton.
Zoom In
Rockhampton had 20,089 people listed on the Australian Organ Donor Register by the end of 2025.
That represents 32 per cent of the region’s eligible population. The rate sits above Queensland’s 30 per cent average but below the national figure.
However, Rockhampton’s falling annual registrations show the existing rate cannot be taken for granted. The region added 136 fewer new donors in 2025 than during the previous year.
Heart recipient Sienna Howkins understands the value behind each registration. A donated heart saved her life when she was 19.
“I’m so thankful to have a heart, and to my donor,” Ms Howkins said.
“I’m trying to do the most with what I have to give for my donor family as well. In my heart, I know they’ll be very happy to see that I’m living the biggest life I can.”
“I’m able to live this life because of them.”
Zoom Out
The figures cover registrations recorded by postcode and mapped to council areas using Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates.
They are estimates because registrations linked to post office boxes cannot be matched with a resident population.
Areas with registration rates below 10 per cent were listed only as having less than 10 per cent.
The data came from Services Australia, the Organ and Tissue Authority, the ABS and the 2025 ANZOD Annual Report.
What To Look For Next?
DonateLife Week will continue until Sunday, 2 August, giving Rockhampton residents time to register and speak with their families.
Registration takes about one minute at DonateLife or through Medicare.
