Ian McMillan proudly shows off his new Lifeblood bandage.
Photo by
Louie Cina
Deniliquin’s Ian McMillan is among local residents who frequently make the hour-long trek to Echuca for blood donations.
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“I’ve been donating for 50 years,” Mr McMillan said.
“I’ve lost count of how many times it’s been, but it’s in the hundreds.”
Visitors to the Lifeblood Echuca blood bus, including those from the Deniliquin district, have rolled up their sleeves a mammoth 913 times this year alone, making a serious impact to blood supplies.
But despite the enthusiasm and generosity of people like Mr McMillan, Lifeblood is always on the hunt for more donors.
The mobile donation centre is so busy, the amount of blood collected in 2026 is enough to save a potential 2700 lives.
That’s 2700 more people who get to go home to their families, thousands of families who get more time with their loved ones and countless others who reap the rewards of complete strangers’ generosity.
Aania Tandon, a media manager with Lifeblood, said people often don’t realise just how far their blood goes.
“Every blood donation can save up to three lives,” Ms Tandon said.
“We are extremely grateful to Echuca and surrounding towns for your passion and generosity.
“You give hope and life to patients around the country, and we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do without you.”
Even though many have limited opportunities to donate blood, regional donors well and truly pull their weight, with their donations making up a quarter of Lifeblood’s national supply.
National storage levels of five blood types currently sit at ‘low’ or ‘very low’ levels, and plasma is urgently needed.
“We know more than 50 per cent of the adult population in Australia is eligible to donate blood, but only three per cent do,” Ms Tandon said.
“Donating whole blood is a quick and simple process, while we recommend setting aside an hour for the entire appointment, you are only in the chair for 5-10 minutes.
“Your donation can go to helping people of all ages, from cancer patients, to pregnant mums, to someone with an autoimmune condition or a blood disorder.
“We often say, an hour of your time may give someone the rest of their life.”
To check your donation eligibility and book an appointment, visitwww.lifeblood.com.au
Lifeblood’s Echuca mobile blood donation centre is a popular fixture of the High St carpark.
Photo by
Louie Cina
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