JERSEY DAY SHOUT OUT
Organisers of Jersey Day are determined not to let COVID-19 restrictions stop them promoting organ donation on Friday September 4.
The Gremmo family are hoping schools, businesses and families will continue to embrace the day, by popping on their favourite sporting jersey and starting a conversation with family and friends about organ donation.
The Hills family held their first annual Jersey Day in 2015 to raise awareness of The Organ and Tissue Authority and the Donate Life network in memory of 13-year-old Nathan Gremmo who lost his life following a road accident in Glenhaven on April 30 in 2015. The Year 8 Oakhill College student passed away in hospital the next day.
Months before his death, Nathan had watched a documentary about organ donation and spoke to his family about it.
Because of this, his parents Michael and Kylie, sisters Annaliese and Ashley supported his wish to be an organ donor and as a result five young adults and a baby were given the gift of life. Michael Gremmo said the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness.
“Simply wear your favourite sporting jersey to school, work, home or wherever you may be on Friday, September 4, to show your support for this cause and start the conversation about organ donation. 
“Make your decision count by joining the Australian Organ Donation Register at www.donatelife.gov.au.
According to Donatelife there were over 221,641 new registrations on the Australian Organ Donor Registry in 2019.
Hills Shire Council staff and councillors will again be supporting Jersey Day.
A Mayoral Minute by Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne on Tuesday encouraged everyone to get involved.
“In Australia and internationally, the need for transplantation exceeds the availability of organs.
“In 2019, 1,683 lives were saved by organ donors and their families.”
For more information please head to the website: www.jerseyday.com.au
• Around 1,700 Australians are currently waitlisted for a transplant.
• Another 12,000 are on dialysis, many of whom would benefit from a kidney transplant.
• In 2019, 1,683 lives were transformed by organ donations.
• In 2019, more than 12,000 Australians benefited from eye and tissue donation.
• On average, people on the transplant list must wait between 6 months – 4 years.
• 7 in 10 Australians are willing to become an organ donor but only 1 in 3 Australians are registered.
• State based driver’s license donor registries no longer exist. To become an organ donor, you need to join the Australian Organ Donor Register at www.donatelife.gov.au
• In Australia, family members will always be asked to confirm the decision of organ donation. That is why discussing your decision with family and friends is so important.
• Show support by virtually by sharing a message, photo or video on social media with the hashtags #jerseyday #donatelife
