For the first time in its 40 year history, the Australian Transplant Games will be held in Tasmania with Launceston announced as the host city for the 18th Australian Transplant Games, taking place from 26 September to 3 October 2026.
Transplant Australia made the announcement at Launceston’s iconic Cataract Gorge, joined by transplant recipients and donor families, along with the Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Rebecca White and Tasmanian Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events, the Hon Jane Howlett and City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood.
At the launch attendees heard from 22-year old liver transplant Bella Dyer, who received her life-saving transplant at just 5 years old. Now 22, Bella spoke about what the Australian Transplant Games meant to her growing up – and what it means to her today as the Games return to her hometown of Launceston.
“I am really excited about the Games coming to my hometown and I am thrilled to be sharing all the beauty of Tasmania with the transplant community. The Games are really inspirational, with people of all ages taking part. It shows the difference that organ and tissue donation makes to so many people. I wouldn’t be here today without my donor. I am forever grateful and I want to help raise awareness so more Australians can get that second chance at life.”
As a child, the Games provided Bella with connection, confidence and a sense of community. Today, she reflects on the pride she feels welcoming the same community to Tasmania, and the opportunities to share both her story and beauty of her home city.
The audience also heard from Michele Polley, a strong advocate for organ donation since her son Aaron became an organ donor in 2003, saving four lives. Michele spoke movingly about the importance of donation, the lasting legacy donors leave behind, and the importance of having conversations with loved ones about donation decisions.
Transplant Australia’s CEO, Chris Thomas spoke about the importance of the games representing powerful celebration of life and resilience;
“The Australian Transplant Games are truly a celebration of life. They show the courage, strength and determination of the transplant community and the incredible impact that organ and tissue donation has on so many lives.”
“These games are a chance for participants to inspire others, honour their donors, and demonstrate that life after a transplant can be full, vibrant and limitless”
The Games arrive at a time when Tasmania leads the nation in organ and tissue donation. In 2024, Tasmania recorded a family consent rate of 72%, significantly above the national average of 53%.
The 2026 Australian Transplant Games are expected to attract more than 500 visitors from interstate and overseas – showcasing Launceston and Tasmania to a national audience.
As preparations begin, the Launceston community is invited to be part of the Games – as volunteers, spectators, or participants in selected events such as the DonateLife Fun Run – helping to create an unforgettable celebration of sport, community and the life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation.
The Games are supported by the Organ & Tissue Authority and the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.
