A new purpose-built facility will put Victoria on the map as a leader in human tissue donations and improve the lives of thousands of people across the country.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula said the newly upgraded Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria was the only one of its kind in Australia, screening, storing and distributing multiple tissue donations from the one facility.
Officially opened today, the facility marks the completion of the State Coronial Services Centre redevelopment project that began in Southbank in 2010.
Mr Pakula said the new state-of-the-art facility provides greater storage for tissue donations and the ability to accommodate new technology.
The upgrade means the facility now has the capacity to incorporate next-generation tissue transplant products including those using human stem cells.
More than 11,000 recipients have benefited from tissue donated through the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria since it was founded in 1989.
The donation of tissue can only occur through the generosity and selfless spirit of those families who have lost loved ones, often in sudden and tragic circumstances, and who wish the death of their family member to contribute to other’s welfare. Anyone wishing to become a tissue donor should discuss their intention with their family and record their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Further information on how to register is available at
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria makes a vital contribution to the lives of Australians.”
“Donations of tissue can mean skin grafts for a burns victim, the restoration of sight in a person with a serious eye condition or a life-saving replacement of a diseased heart valve.”
“I urge all Victorians to consider registering themselves as an organ donor.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020