A much-loved local man, Jamie Wilson, 26, died from injuries sustained in a serious highway smash on March 21.

The quick actions of passers-by and rescue crews meant Jamie's parents were able to be with him in his final hours.

Those life-sustaining actions also meant Jamie was a viable organ donor, a wish he'd expressed only months earlier.

At least four people are now living better lives, thanks to Jamie's gift of life through the Australian Organ Donor Register.

Jeff and Jenny Wilson are the first to say there is nothing on this earth that takes away the pain of losing their only son.

But they take some reassurance in knowing that, in some way, Jamie's life still has meaning through those four other lives.

Equally, they are reassured that, in consenting to Jamie's organ donation, they have fulfilled his wishes and honoured him.

Now they are carrying that honour forward by urging all of us to "Do a Jamie" and "have the conversation" about organ donation.

No longer is it a tick-the-box option on a driver's licence. It is an opt-in registration via the website donatelife.gov.au.

Families and next-of-kin are still consulted before any transplant proceeds, and there is still the option to say 'no'.

But research from the DonateLife agency shows a majority will say 'yes' when they have had "the conversation".

We thank Jeff and Jenny Wilson for sharing Jamie's story. We thank Jamie Wilson for sharing his life. Vale.

A vast improvement

COUNCIL working parties are something of a success story, despite drawing their share of community flak.

Last year the council established 10 working parties to explore everything from a sports stadium, pool redevelopment, adventure playground, St Clair upgrade, street trees and more.

Last week, belatedly, it decided to set up a performing arts working party.

They include community and council representatives, focused on a particular task.

They're a vast improvement on the former system, whereby numerous council committees met and took ages to reach an outcome.

In short, there was more talk than action.

Moreover, community members have been eager to jump on board the working parties and work hard, voluntarily.

They have brought considerable expertise and talent to the table. Consider the group delving into a sport stadium, for example. Former Workers Club CEO Peter Walker has valuable contacts from his former role that may prove crucial in securing future funding for the Prell and Seiffert ovals upgrades.

In fact all members have put their heart and soul into research, saving the council money along the way.

In the process, they take a valuable ownership stake in their community.

It's little wonder some are still keen to go on with the job.