Organ Donor Awareness Week is a national campaign to raise awareness of organ donation in Australia.

At the reception the Chief Minister thanked donors and their families for their decision to donate, often at very difficult times.

"There are almost 1800 people on the waiting list for organ transplants nationally including many ACT residents. Some of these people will die before an organ becomes available", Mr Stanhope said.

"In 2008 in the ACT, there were 42 donors, including 5 multi organ donors. These donations have directly saved or improved the lives of at least 38 Australians".

The Chief Minister presented Awards and Certificates of Appreciation to community members for their contribution to organ donor awareness in the ACT.

Recipients of Awards were:

Annette Taylor Award for Excellence in Journalism: Michelle Cazzulino
Ben Wiseman Award for Healthcare: Professor John Horvath
Matthew Reynolds Award for Community Service: Bill Handke
Jenny Deck Award for Community Service: Shared between Canberra Grammar School, Canberra Girls' Grammar School and St Clare's College.
Certificates of Appreciation were given to:

Brad Rossiter
666 ABC Canberra
WIN Television
The Canberra Times
To register your intent to become an organ donor, visit the Organ Donor Register at:

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/our_services/aaodr.htm