But debate has flared up over the system we use when it comes to opting in or out of organ donation. 

Currently in Australia, recipients have to opt-in and sign the register to become a donor, while some other countries have opt-out legislation, which means everyone is a potential donor unless they register to not be.

It is important to note that in Australia, and in most-opt out nations, the final say still lands on the immediate family or next of kin.

There has been movement in Australia to consider introducing an opt-out policy, which could be expected to lift the organ donation rate by 20 per cent in the first few years, based on the experiences of countries such as Singapore, Austria and Belgium.

And while organ and tissue donation continues to rise in Australia, with more than six million residents registered to donate, many face a long and agonizing wait for a life-saving organ.

Tamworth organ donor advocate and donor heart recipient Leonnee Pinchen-Martin knows about it more than most.

Her husband, Joe Stolker, has been on daily dialysis for six years with kidney disease, and has been on the waiting list for a donor for the same amount of time.

So, it may come as a surprise that she stands against the opt-out argument.

“That debate needs to stop in Australia because we don’t have the capacity in our hospitals for an opt out system,” she told The Leader.

“Forcing people will only put pressure on the system and can have a negative impact on donations.”

Instead, the Tamworth woman believes that education is the key to improving the issue.

She’s pushing to apply for a grant to improve advocacy and awareness in Tamworth and would love to see more Donation Specialist Nurses stationed all over the country.

The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service also agrees the current system is the best way forward.

Last year, 510 Australians who died donated their organs – up 200 on 2015. But it’s not enough. If the system isn’t going to change anytime soon, we need to. 

It’s important to have the tough conversations now with you’re loved ones to ensure the right decision is made when the time comes.