Darwin donor centre celebrates 25 years as demand for blood hits decade high

As the centre’s history of saving lives over the past 25 years is celebrated, Territorians are being asked to consider becoming donors as demand is higher than ever.

L-R: Bill Daw, Australia Red Cross director for NT, Charles Burkitt, board chair at Australia Red Cross, Health Minister, Steve Edgington, and donor Bruce Mann, donor Ian Berry and Emma McMullan Australia Red Cross director for national collections operations.

A Darwin donation centre celebrated 25 years of saving lives in the Northern Territory at a time when the need for blood has never been higher.

Long-time donors, Lifeblood and Red Cross staff and the Minister for Health gathered at Darwin Donor Centre on Friday morning to herald its history and the lives changed.

When the original donor centre was destroyed in 1974 by Cyclone Tracy, staff operated out of demountable buildings for 25 years until the new centre in Casuarina opened on September 19, 2000.

The Darwin Donor Centre in Casuarina celebrates 25 years.

Since then, it has played a central role in supporting emergency events such at the Bali bombings in 2002 and local donors have made 230,000 blood and plasma donations at the facility, helping save and improve the lives of more than 650,000 Australians.

Minister for Health, Steve Edgington, said it was truly a “story of resilience and commitment”.

Addressing a lobby filled with people who have played a central part in the facility’s donations, Mr Edgington said their dedication was inspiring.

Health Minister, Steve Edgington, at the 25-year celebration of Darwin Donor Centre in Casuarina.

“Over the past 25 years, this hub has become a vital lifeline for patients across the Territory and beyond,” he said.

“You’re all part of a lifesaving mission that touches thousands of lives every year.

“Thank all of you for your commitment, your compassion and your courage.”

Yet despite the impressive collections over the past 25 years, the demand for blood and blood products continues to grow.

Emma McMullan, Australia Red Cross director for national collections operations, encouraged people to donate.

Emma McMullan, director of national collections operations at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, said they were in particular need of donations for O and A blood types.

“Our blood stocks have declined through the winter months and we’re at an all time high for 12 years at the moment so the need for blood is high,” she said.

Ms McMullan said the demand was due to an increased ageing population and population growth.

With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime and only one in 30 people actually donating, she encouraged anyone between 18 and 75 years old who was healthy to think about contacting the centre.