Transplant Australia has recognised four outstanding members for their contributions to the transplant community, awarding Life Membership to Michael Kennedy and Vicki Bellingham, the Distinguished Service Award to Ante Kelic, and the Outstanding Achievement Award to Rebekah Lord.
Each have made a significant contribution to Transplant Australia, whether through decades of dedicated service, leadership and volunteering, or remarkable achievements that demonstrate the possibilities following the gift of life.
Life Membership – Michael Kennedy
Michael ‘Mick’ Kennedy has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than three decades of involvement with Transplant Australia and the transplant community.
A lung transplant recipient for more than 33 years, Mick has been a longstanding participant in both the Australian and World Transplant Games. Over the years, he has served as a flag bearer, a senior member of the NSW Committee and a sports manager.
His dedication to the transplant community has also been recognised internationally, with his induction into the World Transplant Games Hall of Fame.
Mick’s Life Membership acknowledges his longstanding commitment to Transplant Australia and his contribution to the transplant community through sport, leadership and advocacy.
Life Membership – Vicki Bellingham
Vicki Bellingham has been awarded Life Membership in recognition of more than 20 years of dedication to Transplant Australia alongside her husband, Tony.
Vicki is the Immediate Past Chair of the ACT Committee and served as the 2026 ACT Team Manager, continuing her longstanding commitment to supporting transplant recipients and their families.
Vicki and Tony first became involved through their son, Scott, who received a liver transplant as a young boy and was a long-term participant in the Australian Transplant Games. Following Scott’s passing, they remained deeply involved in the organisation, continuing to support the community that had played such an important role in their lives.
Vicki’s Life Membership recognises her sustained service, leadership and ongoing commitment to Transplant Australia and the people it supports.
Distinguished Service Award – Ante Kelic
Ante Kelic has received the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding voluntary service and leadership with the Transplant Australia Football Club.
A liver transplant recipient, Ante has continued to build on the foundations established by Matty Hempstalk, helping grow the club and strengthen its presence within the transplant community.
Under Ante’s leadership, the club has taken two teams to the Transplant Football World Cup, while participation has grown and the sport has gained greater visibility through media and social media coverage.
Ante has also become a mentor to many young footballers, supporting them to develop their skills, build connections and pursue their sporting ambitions.
His award recognises the significant contribution he has made to transplant football and his ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for transplant recipients through sport.
Outstanding Achievement Award – Rebekah Lord
Rebekah Lord has received the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of her remarkable sporting achievements and role as a positive example for younger transplant recipients.
At the 2024 Australian Transplant Games in Canberra, Rebekah won gold medals in lawn bowls singles and pairs, soccer and the 5km run, all while undergoing dialysis.
After receiving a kidney transplant in March 2025, Rebekah returned to competition just three months later, winning silver in the women’s fours at the Australian Open lawn bowls championships.
In 2026, she was selected to represent Australia at the Transplant Soccer World Cup in Germany and in the Transplant Australia women’s team. She was also selected for the Australian Jackaroos Academy squad and named Australian Lawn Bowls Coach of the Year for her work with junior NSW teams.
As both an athlete and coach, Rebekah continues to inspire younger transplant recipients, demonstrating what is possible after the gift of life.
From decades of volunteering and leadership to outstanding sporting accomplishments, these recipients represent the commitment and community spirit of Transplant Australia.
Their contributions help create opportunities for transplant recipients, living donors and their families to connect, participate and thrive.
Transplant Australia congratulates Mick, Vicki, Ante and Rebekah on their well-deserved recognition and thanks them for the lasting difference they continue to make to the transplant community.
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