Wagga Wagga Council Launches Lifesaving Blood Drive
Representatives from Wagga Wagga City Council rolled up a sleeve this week to help save lives by taking part in the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive.
The blood drive started on 1 July and runs for three months. During that time, Council staff will be joined by Councillors and community members in a big effort to collectively donate as much blood and plasma as they can.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout and Deputy Mayor Councillor Georgie Davies are leading the way by donating at the Wagga Wagga Blood Donor Centre.
Cr Tout said “Wagga Wagga City Council has taken part in the Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive for several years now and it is great to see the uptake in staff donating.
“The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood do a great job at collecting this valuable resource which helps saves thousands of lives every year.”
Cr Davies said “We hope Council’s involvement in the blood drive encourages the wider community to continue to donate blood, or to start donating; it’s never too late to help save lives.
“You never know when it could be you or a loved one who needs blood.”
Lifeblood spokesperson Mitch Bryce said local government organisations always come together to show they are the heart of our community.
“We know Wagga Wagga City Council has many incredible donors already and we look forward to welcoming first-time donors who are inspired to donate as part of this blood drive too,” Mr Bryce said.
“New blood donors are always needed, especially during winter as this time of year many of our regular donors are sick with colds and flu, but the need for blood doesn’t stop.”
The demand for blood products is increasing as the population continues to grow. Every week, Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood donations to meet patient needs.
In Australia, one in three people will require blood or plasma donations in their lifetime for treatments such as cancer care, immune conditions, trauma support, surgeries, and neonatal requirements.
This means around 23,000 people in Wagga Wagga will likely need blood products in their lifetime.
Currently, Lifeblood has around 3,000 active donors in Wagga Wagga who generously give the gift of life to those they may never meet.
There are 500+ appointments available to donate in Lifeblood’s Wagga Wagga Donor Centre in the next two weeks.
To make an appointment to give blood call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.
https://news.wagga.nsw.gov.au/news-articles/2025/july-2025/wagga-wagga-city-council-to-save-lives-through-blood-donation