Rather, the Taylors Hill resident, 50, says he's lucky to be alive after an auto immune disease he'd been battling for 22 years caused his health to rapidly deteriorate early last year.

The chronic liver disease he was suffering from - primary sclerosing cholangitis - had badly damaged his liver and he was put on a transplant waiting list in January.

A hopeful Mr Walker was called into hospital three times in March and April.

But on each occasion the doctors deemed the donated livers incompatible. He finally had a liver transplant in October.

Mr Walker says he will be forever grateful to people who give up their organs to help those who need them.

He's urging north-west residents to discuss their organ and tissue donation wishes with their families during DonateLife Week (February 19-26).

"I've been very proactive in trying to encourage people to let their family know their intentions if they wish to donate their organs," Mr Walker says.

"As it stands, in Australia family members can overrule a person's request to donate organs and this leads to people not getting the transplants they need."

According to DonateLife Victoria, families that have discussed and know each other's donation wishes are more likely to uphold those wishes.

The Victorian medical director for organ and tissue donation, Dr Helen Opdam, says some Australians still find it difficult to bring up the subject with family.

"Deciding to have the discussion during DonateLife Week can help normalise the subject and make it OK to talk about," she says.

"It's a conversation that cannot only save lives one day but will also help you be prepared should you ever be asked to confirm your wishes."

Mr Walker returned to work two weeks ago and is itching to get back on the basketball court.

"Organ donations are a gift of generosity and each time I got called into hospital I was aware there was a family in grief somewhere.

"If I had to wait longer for a transplant it could have impacted on my quality of life, so it is vital that people let their wishes be known."

For more details about organ donation, visit: donatelife.gov.au