The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has welcomed the announcement that Mildura’s Red Cross Lifeblood centre will begin accepting plasma donations from January 2026.
The expansion will involve refurbishing the existing facility and will also enable people to register to donate stem cells.
“I’m so pleased to see Lifeblood expanding its services in Mildura,” Ms Benham said. “Being able to donate plasma locally will make it easier for people in our community to give in a way that saves lives.”
There are currently around 5,000 people registered with the Mildura Lifeblood centre, but only 1,100 are active donors.
“I urge anyone who is registered but hasn’t donated in a while, or anyone thinking about donating for the first time, to take this as a prompt. Your donation really does make a difference.”
Lifeblood will also introduce an important eligibility change from 14 July 2025, removing most sexual activity-based wait times for plasma donation. This means gay and bisexual men will be able to donate plasma without a deferral period, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
“In the midst of rising cost-of-living pressures, donating blood or plasma remains one way people can give back at no cost,” Ms Benham said. “One in three Australians will need donated blood during their lifetime, and just one donation can save up to three lives.
“I welcome this announcement and thank Lifeblood for continuing to invest in services that support regional communities like ours,” Ms Benham said.
