A street in Canberra has been named to honour the first person to become an organ donor in Canberra: Annette Taylor.
Ministers Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA and Chris Steel MLA jointly announced on Monday 28 July that the ACT Government had named a street in Macnamara, Annette Street.
It is also a celebration of the legacy of organ donation in the ACT, Mr Steel said.
“Annette first expressed her wish to become an organ donor after learning about organ donation from a family friend who was the recipient of a life-saving kidney donation,” he said.
“When she unfortunately experienced an unexpected cerebral brain haemorrhage three weeks before her 12th birthday in 1975, Annette’s mother, Marjorie, sought to fulfill her daughter’s wishes.
“With the help of medical professionals in the ACT and NSW, Annette’s kidneys were successfully donated to two recipients.”
Mr Steel said Annette’s request to have her organs donated sparked a chain of events that resulted in the ACT’s first legislation on organ donation.
“She opened the door for more donations to follow, allowing for many life-saving donations to take place since then and future generations will remain inspired by her courage and selflessness as we are today,” he said.
The street naming coincides with DonateLife Week 2025 which takes place in July each year to encourage more Australians to get behind organ and tissue donation.
Ms Stephen-Smith acknowledged the extraordinary generosity and courage of donor families over the past five decades, and the life-changing impact their decisions have had on countless recipients.
“While DonateLife Week is always a special time, this year is truly extraordinary as we come together to commemorate 50 years since the first organ donation in the ACT,” she said.
“It is particularly meaningful to welcome the family of Annette Taylor, the ACT’s first organ donor in 1975.
“Annette’s legacy lives on, not only in the lives she saved, but in the foundation she helped to build for future generations of donors and their families in the ACT.
“Since that first act of generosity, organ and tissue donation in the ACT has evolved to provide many lifesaving transplants to individuals across the country.
“To every donor family, thank you. Your bravery and generosity in the face of unimaginable grief has given hope to so many.
“And to the recipients here today, may the gift you’ve received give you strength and a life filled with health, happiness and purpose.”
While four in five Australians support donation, only one in three are currently registered.
In the ACT, just 28 per cent of eligible residents are on the Australian Organ Donor Register, which is below the national average.
In 2024, 13 donors gave the ultimate gift, resulting in 42 lives transformed.
DonateLife ACT State Medical Director Dr Sean Chan said marking the anniversary was not just a milestone.
“It’s a testament to the quiet heroism of donor families and the lives they’ve helped transform,” Dr Chan said.
“From the first act of generosity in 1975, we’ve seen a remarkable evolution in how donation is embedded in our health system.”
Annette’s brother, Michael said the family was grateful and proud that her contribution to the ACT has been honoured and acknowledged to mark 50 years since she became the first organ donor in the ACT.
“Future generations who search the origins of Annette Street will learn of her legacy,” Michael said.
For more information or to register as a donor, visit: www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/donatelife-act
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