Dalyellup Water Corporation employee going for gold at World Transplant Games

• Water Corporation manager competing at first Games following life-saving liver transplant
• Raising awareness of organ donation while competing in volleyball, swimming and pétanque
• Water Corporation support included flexible working arrangements and international sporting leave

A Dalyellup Water Corporation employee will be flying the flag for Australia at the 2023 World Transplant Games in Perth this coming week (15-21 April).

First held in the UK in 1978, the seven-day sporting event caters for both elite and social athletes, attracting 2,500 participants from more than 60 nations, and is the world’s largest awareness event for the gift of life.

Five years ago, Water Corporation Operations Support Manager Jason Ringrose was too weak to walk from his front door to the letterbox after being diagnosed with a rare, chronic liver disease.  

But, following a life-saving liver transplant in 2017, he will be competing in the 24th World Transplant Games in volleyball, swimming and pétanque (a boules sport).

For Jason, the journey from active rugby player to 10-hour transplant surgery was made much easier through the support of his employer. 

Mr Ringrose said: “The support I received from Water Corporation was just fantastic. I had to take almost a year off work but being able to visit the office and connect with colleagues when on sick leave provided me with great support. 

“When I came back to work, Water Corporation provided flexible working arrangements to help me safely transition back into my role. Without that support and flexibility, I don’t know where I would be now.” 

Water Corporation Regional Manager Nicky Waite said: “We are very excited for Jason and can’t wait to see him in action after such a difficult period in his life. 

“As a transplant recipient, he is more susceptible to illness, so we’re actively helping him manage his health, while enabling him to train and compete.”  

“With our inclusive and flexible workplace culture, we enable employees like Jason to participate in similar opportunities while carrying out their work duties. Jason’s flexible hours enabled him to train in the swimming pool during quiet times, and he has also received international sporting leave.”

For Jason, the Games is not just about the competition. With only around a third (36%) of Australians having registered their organ donation decision, inspiring people to register as organ donors, and discuss their decision with their families, is a big motivation. 

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to connect with other transplant recipients, and the families of organ donors, who have given such an amazing second chance of life to others. I would encourage everyone to register your organ donation decision and help give hope to people awaiting a transplant,” Jason said. 

You can find out more about the World Transplant Games in Perth here: worldtransplantgames.org; and the Australian Organ Donor Register here: servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-organ-donor-register