Mike Freelander (Macarthur, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Tomorrow is Saffron Day, and I'd like to express my appreciation to the member for Chifley for his advocacy of this very worthy cause. Saffron Day, 22 October, is a day in which we raise awareness of organ and tissue donation in Australia and commemorate the life of Deyaan Udani. Deyaan was a bright and beautiful young boy who tragically lost his life at the age of seven in 2016. Deyaan's family chose to give the gift of life, and Deyaan was able to save the lives of four others. Deyaan's legacy is extraordinary and one that we should all celebrate.

As the co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Organ Donation, I want to express my gratitude to Deyaan's family for promoting this day. I'm encouraging all to honour Deyaan's everlasting legacy and, please, have a conversation with your loved ones and register your decision to become an organ donor.

We pay tribute tomorrow to Deyaan and his family's incredible decision when we commemorate Saffron Day. Saffron symbolises courage, strength and sacrifice, qualities seen in little Deyaan. Saffron is particularly important to the Udani family, as orange was Deyaan's favourite colour.

Far too many Australians are presently awaiting an organ donation. Organ donation transforms and saves lives. It takes less than a minute to register to give the gift of life, and state based drivers licence schemes no longer exist. To register their intention to become an organ donor, people can visit donatelife.gov.au. (Time expired)