After nearly 20 years caring for patients in Tasmania’s hospitals through some of the most critical moments of their lives, Royal Hobart Hospital nurse Michelle Edwards, 56, is bringing her experience to a very different kind of shift this September, as a volunteer at the 2026 Australian Transplant Games in Launceston.
The Games, running from 26 September to 3 October, will be held in Tasmania for the first time in the event’s 40-year history, bringing together transplant recipients, living donors and donor families from across the country for a week of sport and celebration.
For Michelle, who has worked across cardiology, cardiothoracic, intensive care and most recently anaesthetic nursing, the Games are a chance to see the other side of a story she has witnessed countless times from a hospital bed.
“My nursing has allowed me the privilege to care for patients and their loved ones who have received an organ or tissue transplant,” she said.
Michelle has also cared for patients at the end of life, supporting families through the moment they choose to say yes to organ donation after meeting with DonateLife Coordination Specialists, a decision she describes as a rare and amazing gift.
“My motivation to volunteer has come from wanting to give back to the community – both to thank the donation families, living and passed – and to see how the gift of life has lived on in the recipients. The rare gift of Organ Transplants is amazing so the share the life that the new organ has given to these thankful recipients will be a privilege.” Michelle said.
Volunteering isn’t new to Michelle. Following in the footsteps of her parents, who she says volunteered all their lives, she has previously given her time to disabled swimming, horse riding and sailing programs.
At the Games, her volunteer role will be a world away from the hospital ward, and could involve anything from helping set up road signage and drink stations, starting races, and assisting with timekeeping and results.
“Seeing happy faces who love life and who know they have had a second chance of life and are thankful for their gift will be amazing,” she said.
Michelle is one of hundreds of volunteers needed to help deliver the Games across Launceston, with organisers Transplant Australia continuing to call on the local community to get involved.
“I would say to others, come and join us. You will be supported and mentored in any of the roles you might choose. If you can help for four hours or the whole week, any time given will be amazing. I know the competitors will be so grateful for your support,” Michelle said.
“Rain, hail or shine, volunteering is the best way to give back and allow events like this to take place – in Tassie, in Launceston. Just come and enjoy the fun times to be had this late September to early October.”
Volunteer roles are available across the full week of the Games, with shifts ranging from a few hours to multiple days. No prior volunteering experience is required.
