Jasmine sets sights on World Transplant Games

Emma Turnbull

Jasmine Storey was two years old when she received a liver transplant and more than two decades later she's headed to the World Transplant Games to raise awareness about organ donation.

Next year the Bundaberg resident will jet off to Perth to compete in the World Transplant Games, along with other athletes who all have one thing in common – they’ve all had a successful organ transplant.

Jasmine said the World Transplant Games was an amazing way to celebrate organ and tissue donation, along with 55 other countries, on the world stage.

She said being an organ transplant recipient had not only changed her life, but it also gave her life.

“It has given me life,” she said.

“I was born with a condition known as biliary atresia.

“It is a very rare condition, affecting only 1 in 15,000 infants, so I really don't know a life where I didn’t need a new liver.”

Although Jasmine was too young to remember the time before her liver transplant, she said she knew it was her only chance at surviving.

“I would have absolutely died,” she said.

“Even as it was, we were buying as much time as possible with smaller procedures and treating nasty infections.

“I was lucky to live as long as I did while waiting for the call that there was a donor match ready for me.”

It was touch and go as Jasmine and her family eagerly awaited the phone call to say an organ donation match had been found.

“I don't remember anything from life (pre) transplant, but my family does,” she said.

“My first operation was a Kasai procedure at eight weeks old and from then, all the way up until I got my new liver two years later, it was one surgery after another.

“I spent most of the first two years of my life in the hospital.

“Since I've received my transplant, I have been able to live a full, relatively normal, life.” 

Jasmine said organ donation was so much more than the gift of life for one person.

“Organ donation is such a selfless act that truly changes lives of not just the recipient but all of those around them,” she said.

“The Transplant Games and everything it stands for would not be possible if it weren't for organ donors.

“If you're thinking about becoming an organ donor, or even if you have already registered, make sure you have the discussion about your decision with your close friends and family as at the end of the day, they will be the final ones to give the okay when you pass.

“I think some people think ‘I'm too old or my body is too worn, I won't be able to help anyone’ but that's simply not the case, the body is made up of a lot of moving parts, you never know whose life you're going to change for the better with your donation.”

World Transplant Games a first for Jasmine

This is the first time Jasmine will compete in the World Transplant Games, after planning to take part when it was held in Australia in 2009 but being prevented by injury.

“There's so many emotions toward participating in the World Transplant Games,” she said.

“It's exciting and I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to represent my country, but I'm also nervous, I haven't competed in any games since 2014 and, even then, only nationally.

“This is the first time I will be up against people from all over the world and that's hard to wrap your head around.  

“I was lucky enough to attend the World (Transplant) Games the last time they were in Australia (2009), however I had broken my foot in three places six weeks before the competition, so I was hobbling around on crutches the whole time.

“I am steering well clear of anything that could cause injury this time around!” 

Jasmine said she was looking forward to the World Transplant Games to be held on Australian soil again, and she will compete in all of the swimming and track events.

“The games are always such a beautiful experience, and Australia is such a beautiful country,” she said.

“I'm excited because not only does it mean the competition is far more accessible to me in terms of costs and travel, but it also means people from all around the globe are going to be able to come to Australia and explore while being supported by people that understand their transplant situation.” 

To help Jasmine get to the World Transplant Games recently she held a cupcake day where she raised close to one third of the cost.

For more information or to assist Jasmine click here.

Bundaberg fishing store tackles recycling

Georgia Neville

Tackle World Bundaberg is doing its part for the environment by providing a place for the community to recycle old or broken fishing gear.

Rig Recycle is a program developed to reuse, repair and recycle recreational fishing gear and packaging, helping to divert from landfill and reducing marine debris.

Products including hooks, sinkers, swivels, hard plastic lures, plastic floats, hard clear plastic tackle packaging, monofilament fishing line (not braid), plastic fishing line spools, handline spools can all be recycled through the program.

Tackle World Bundaberg now has a Rig Recycle station at the shop on Quay Street, encouraging locals to bring in their gear and place it in the bin provided.

The new recycling avenue is being brought into focus as part of National Recycling Week held from 7 to 13 November 2022.

Tackle World recycling initiative inspired by ReefClean

Tackle World Bundaberg Director Lenore Hanks said the idea to take part in the recycling initiative came about when the team attended a recent fishing show.

“We attended the AFTA (Australian Fishing Trade Association) Show in August this year on the Gold Coast and the ReefClean team had a site at the show with a Rig Recycle Bin,” she said.

“Of course, we were keen to host a Rig Recycle bin in our store to reduce the flow of rubbish pouring into our environment.”

Lenore said she was very conscious of the impact plastics had on the environment, encouraging the community to also think about their actions.

“I’m conscious of the devastating effects plastic and other debris can make in our waterways,” she said.

“If our rubbish is not disposed of thoughtfully, it can be blown or washed into rivers and oceans and end up hundreds of kilometres away, polluting coastlines and becoming a problem to ecosystems and wildlife.

“We need to be conscious of our actions so future generations can enjoy this beautiful planet.”

The items placed into the bin will be sorted to be reused, repaired or recycled.

“The repaired items are given a second life in tackle boxes which are donated to charity groups for less fortunate anglers to enjoy,” she said.

“All hard plastic is diverted to a recycling facility which turns the items into new products which are made to last several lifecycles.

“By getting involved in our Rig Recycle Program, you’re showing your support for reducing the amount of fishing litter getting into our waterways and out of landfill.

“We need to lead by example and together we can all make a difference!”

The program started as part of the ReefClean program, delivered by Tangaroa Blue and funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

Find out more about the program which is enabling Tackle World recycling here.

Gardens set to be Merry and Bright

Georgia Neville

The Bundaberg Botanic Gardens will once again be illuminated with festive cheer as the Merry and Bright event takes over.

The gardens will light up from Thursday 8 December until Wednesday 14 December for residents to experience the magic.

There are two options for exploring the enchanted gardens including Christmas Village, which is a paid experience taking place for the first four nights, followed by three nights of the free Light Night event.

Santa will be visiting the Christmas Village and is looking forward to hearing all the children’s Christmas wish lists.

Hinkler Hall of Aviation will also light up, with an illuminated artwork by artist Tim Gruchy set to be projected onto the side of the building.

Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the events were a great opportunity to get out and explore the Botanic Gardens in a different way.

“The Merry and Bright event has been a favourite since it started and we look forward to another great event,” Cr Learmonth said.

“From exploring the gardens under the bright lights to seeing Santa and his reindeer, there is something for all ages at this family friendly event.”

In support of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal $5 from every family, $2 from every adult and $1 from every child Merry + Bright Christmas Village ticket sold will be donated to support families in need this Christmas.

Tickets for Christmas Village and registrations for Light Night open at midday on Wednesday 16 November.

You can find the full Christmas program here.

The two offerings for Merry and Bright include:

Christmas Village

Step foot into an enchanting Christmas Village as the Botanic Gardens are transformed for this year’s Merry and Bright.

Make your way around the dazzling light display and enjoy the many delights of the Christmas Village event. In the village you can meet Santa and Mrs Claus and try to avoid the Grinch if you can!

There will be entertainment from Spark Starter performers, Christmas alpacas, reindeer and even a snow globe photo booth!

Food and drink will be available from a variety of food trucks on the night and Café 1928 will be open.

Date: 8 – 11 December
Time: 5.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: $30 family (2 Ad, 2 Ch) | $15 adults | $7 children (3-12 years) | children under 3 years free (ticket still required)
Location: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Light Night

Take a relaxed stroll through the Botanic Gardens transformed into by thousands of twinkling lights for our Merry and Bright event.

In this free version of the Merry and Bright event the beauty of the twinkling lights in the lush gardens take centre stage for Light Night.

The mesmerising light display – which is the highlight of Merry and Bright event – will stand alone on Light Night.

Café 1928 will be open to the public for food and drinks.

Date: 12 – 14 December
Time: 5.30 – 8.30pm
Cost: Free – bookings essential
Location: Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

In Our Gallery with Kate Taylor

Morgan Everett

Lockdown led Kate Taylor to delve into her arts practice, with acrylic piece 'Uterus' inspired by her studies in women's rights.

How long have you been an artist and how did you get started? 

I have always dabbled in art for fun but I began taking it more seriously around two years ago.

Being at home studying through the pandemic greatly contributed to me learning more about painting. 

What was the inspiration behind this piece?

One of my university majors was in psychology, so mental health and societal issues are common themes in my works.

'Uterus' was inspired by current women's rights movements, as well as distress surrounding the menstrual cycle which I was learning about in my university studies at the time. 

What medium was used and how does this reflect your usual practice?

Like most of my pieces, 'Uterus' is an acrylic painting.

It has many darker layers with splashes of yellows and greens, as well as pinks and reds in the central part of the canvas.

I like to think that the layering evokes the idea that what you see isn't all that exists. 

What do you love most about what you do?

I love being able to transform a blank canvas and some tubes of paint into something beautiful and evocative. 

What advice would you give to others who are just beginning to explore art?

Just go for it and enjoy the process.

It is so exciting to see something you have made hanging up in lights.