The life-changing decision that can save the lives of many Australians

Shortly after Katie Clemmens was fatally struck by a car last year, her family made a decision that went on to save the lives of many people.

Katie's husband, Rob Clemmens, said it was an "immensely difficult" time for the family, including their daughters Emily and Isabella, but said the decision to donate Katie's organs was an easy one.

"It's all about her story and getting people to understand what she did to help other people. I think she would be proud of us," Clemmens said.

"Her life has meant so much to so many people and her generosity afterwards."

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Clemmens said he and Katie never spoke about being organ donors but the family "didn't need any convincing".

"The girls and I were approached by DonateLife staff where it was brought to our attention that Katie was a viable organ and tissue donor," he said.

"Katie had only then recently retired from work during her life. She was a nurse and a flight attendant.

"She had cared for other people all her working career."

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Donor rates are beginning to rise in Australia for the first time in years.

About 454 donors and families said yes to organ donation across the country last year, according to the Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report, which was released today.

That is up eight per cent on the previous year.

The report found that Victoria is leading the nation in terms of donors, with 144 Victorians becoming organ donors in 2022 alone, a 30-person increase in donation since 2021.

"We are talking about helping someone at a time when they have lost someone," DonateLife's Dr Rohit D'Costa said.

"It truly amazes me how people can think about others at these times."

To register as an organ donor go to https://www.donatelife.gov.au/.