SENATOR THE HON ANNE RUSTON
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT

HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

MEDIA RELEASE

18 September 2024

MANDURAH TO HOST POP-UP BLOOD DONATION TRIAL

Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie MP has welcomed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s announcement of a pop-up blood donation centre in Mandurah, saying the trial is “great news for the local community” and that it is a “significant step towards improving local healthcare access”.

Mr Hastie is advocating for a local donation centre after local residents expressed concerns about the inconvenience of having to travel long distances to donate blood. 

“This trial is a critical first step in removing barriers for blood donors in the Peel Region,” Mr Hastie said.

“I know that many people in Canning who want to donate blood are forced to travel over an hour to the closest clinics in Rockingham or Bunbury – For some people, that simply isn’t feasible.

“We need to bring essential services closer to home, especially given the current pressures on Western Australia’s health system.”

Shadow Minister for Health Senator the Hon Anne Ruston also commended the initiative and highlighted the importance of community engagement in the process.

“Bringing Lifeblood directly to Mandurah provides an opportunity for locals to show their support and demonstrate the need for a permanent blood donation centre in the Peel region,” Senator Ruston said.

“Strong participation will help make the case for Lifeblood to consider making this trial a regular feature, and help address the barriers to healthcare access faced by regional Australians.”

For the trial to be deemed successful and for a permanent location in the Peel Region to be considered, 40 appointments need to be booked per day.

“Every donation has the power save up to three lives – I encourage everyone who can to consider donating blood,” Senator Ruston said.

The Mandurah pop-up centre will be located at Mandurah Baptist College from 23 to 27 September, and people are encouraged to book an appointment through the Lifeblood website: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/wa/mandurah-pop-up-donor-centre

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