‘I registered to be an organ and tissue donor probably 30 years ago, it just seemed like the right thing to do. But now, with the work I do as Chair of the OTA’s Advisory Board, I am privileged to see what this means on a whole other level’
- Helen Szoke
As told by Helen Szoke, Chair of the Organ and Tissue Authority's Advisory Board
I joined the OTA as Advisory Board Chair in 2023, which for me is a role that’s consistent with the long interest I’ve had in the power of self-determination.
It’s a theme I’ve drawn on throughout my life, really, as my father came to Australia as a refugee from Hungary. We were quite poor growing up, so I understand what it’s like to be part of a marginalised community.
I’ve taken that with me throughout both my life and my professional career. I started my career at Commonwealth Bank, before attending university as a mature aged student. I moved to the not-for-profit and community sector from there.
Through my work with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, in other roles and during my time as CEO at Oxfam Australia, the main lesson I’ve learned is to listen to people - to hear what they say they need; that’s self-determination.
Making a decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor is a genuine act of self-determination, and that was a core reason for my coming into this space.
I registered to be an organ and tissue donor probably 30 years ago. It just seemed like the right thing to do. But now, with the work I do with the Advisory Board, I am privileged to see what this means on a whole other level.
My colleagues on the Board are largely people with lived experience - families of those who have become donors and transplant recipients. There are also some extremely dedicated clinicians. There’s enormous wisdom and insight there, and my role is something of an advocate. To bring all of the amazing ideas together to help steer the OTA forward.
I know people personally who’ve benefited greatly from corneal transplants. I’ve met several First Nations people too, who have been on dialysis, hoping for a kidney transplant. I’ve seen first-hand how being on dialysis completely changes someone’s life. I’ve met people who haven’t made it.
This all just strengthens my ambition for OTA. The OTA has a few clear goals - to raise awareness of organ donation, to encourage people to register, and to educate people about the value of donation.
OTA and it’s DonateLife program across Australia is doing great work. But there is so much more to do when I think about the social behaviour change and public health campaigning needed to move the national program forward.
If there is anything you can do, it’s really two things. The first is to please explore the option of nominating yourself as a donor, and the second is to please talk to your family about your choice. It may not seem like much, but this is where much bigger change can start.
Inspired by Helen's story?
