Medals & Awards

We recognise that transplant recipients possess that competitive spirit just as much as the next person. That’s why our competitors receive medals for first, second and third place in each event, and a number of special awards are also offered.

Team Awards

The Victor Chang Memorial Shield

First awarded in 1992, this shield is won by the Australian State/Territory with the highest points score (excluding juniors) over the entire competition. Dedicated to the memory of St Vincent’s Hospital heart transplant pioneer Dr Victor Chang.

The Donor Family Shield

First awarded in 1998, this shield is won by the state team with the highest average number of total medal points per State representative (excluding juniors). Donated to Transplant Australia by a donor family consortium.

The Mark Cocks Memorial Juniors Shield

First awarded in 2004, this shield is presented to the most successful state team of junior competitors (aged 17 and under). Dedicated to the memory of Mark Cocks, AM, Transplant Australia’s first chief executive officer from 1996 until shortly before his death in 2007. Mark was a world-ranked professional tennis player and kidney transplant recipient.

The David Cairns Memorial Juniors Shield

First awarded in 2012, this award is to be made to the most successful State team per competitor of junior competitors (aged 17 and under). Dedicated to the memory of David Cairns, co-founder of Transplant Australia and first life member of Transplant Australia. David was a well-respected University Lecturer and kidney transplant recipient.

Individual Awards

The Athlete of the Games Shield

This Shield is awarded to the most outstanding performance by an Australian male and female transplant athlete at the Games. 

The Jan and Daryl Wall International Shield

This Shield is awarded to the most successful international athlete at the Games. The Award is in recognition of the long-standing contribution of both Jan and Daryl Wall to both international and national transplant games.

DonateLife Shield

An award sponsored by DonateLife and the Organ and Tissue Authority to recognise the contribution of a donor family or living donor to the ideals and aims of the Australian Transplant Games.

The Spirit of the Games Award

Previously the Clifford T. Henderson Award. Donate by Jan Wall to the person who best demonstrated the “Spirit of the Games.” Jan Wall was our longest-serving Australian team manager and is a Transplant Australia life member.

The Jack Nolan Memorial Trophy

An encouragement award named after Jack Nolan, a heart transplant recipient who, upon his death, donated his corneas. Presented by Jack’s wife, Flick Nolan, this is usually awarded to someone who may not necessarily be a good athlete, but tries hard.

Transplant Australia Awards

Outstanding Achievement and Distinguished Service Awards