Community encouraged to roll up sleeves for blood donation trial

More than a decade after Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s blood donation facility closed its doors, residents will have the chance to save lives when a pop-up centre visits the city.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be the first regional town to host Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s WA Pop-Up donor centre as the trial travels between eight sites across the State.

It followed years of pressure from a long list of community members eager to donate and WA Labor Member for Kalgoorlie Ali Kent, who called for Lifeblood to reinstate a blood donation centre in the city.

Ms Kent said she was “proud, excited and overjoyed” to hear Lifeblood would host a pop-up donor collection point in the city over five days, starting on September 30.

“So many people told me numerous attempts had failed in the 10 years since it had closed, and that I didn’t stand a chance of bringing it back,” she said.

“That didn’t stop me.

“I pushed and pushed with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Australia, badgering the poor bosses in Victoria and Perth.”

About a year ago, Ms Kent, with support from community stalwarts Doug Daws and Nick Fardell, launched a petition to reinstate a local donation centre.

It followed Mr Fardell’s blood cancer journey when he voiced concern regarding the lack of options for Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents to contribute to the national blood supply.

Ms Kent thanked Mr Daws and Mr Fardell for their support, and those who had signed the petition.

She encouraged the Goldfields community to roll up their sleeves to ensure the trial was a success.

“I have spent years advocating strongly for the blood bank to return to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and I am delighted that Lifeblood has listened and chosen Kalgoorlie-Boulder as the first city for the trial pop-up locations,” Ms Kent said.

“Then they’ll be back in January 2025 and at different times through the year, depending on the demand.”

The Y Goldfields will host the mobile donor centre from September 30-October 4.

Those who wish to donate blood can book an appointment via the Lifeblood website.

Lifeblood director of donor relations Steve Eldridge said for the trial to be successful, Lifeblood needed to fill 40 appointments for each day it was in town.

“We know the Western Australian community, and in particular our regional communities, are very excited to start donating blood in these new locations, and we’re encouraging everyone to visit lifeblood.com.au and book in their donation from today (Monday),” he said.

Once established, the pop-up will operate in WA for an initial trial period of 12 months, travelling between eight sites.

Once the trial ends, Lifeblood said it would review how well appointments had been filled.