Representatives from Wagga Wagga City Council are rolling up a sleeve to save lives by taking part in the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive.
The 2026 Local Government Blood Drive started on 1 April and runs for three months across NSW, wrapping up on 30 June.
During that time, Councillors and Council staff will be joined by 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 were again leading the way by donating at the Wagga Wagga Donor Centre on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
"It's wonderful to see our staff, councillors and residents across the Local Government Area rally together to donate blood and plasma during the Blood Drive," Cr Tout said.
"It is a great way for local government organisations like ours to make a real impact on our communities. Every donation makes a life changing difference to patients."
In 2025, Council clocked up 61 donations as part of the Local Government Blood Drive. With one donation saving up to three lives, Wagga Wagga City Council has had an impact, saving up to 183 lives.
Outside of the blood drive, Council made an all-time high 192 life-saving donations last year, helping Lifeblood save up to 576 lives.
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," Mitch said.
"New blood donors are always needed, especially during the April holidays and headed into the colder months.
"At 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.
Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood in Australia.
"With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime, you never know when it might be a family member, a neighbour or someone from your community who needs it," Mitch added.
"Every drop counts and all it takes is an hour of your time."
To make an appointment to give blood call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.
There are appointments available to donate in Lifeblood's Wagga Wagga Donor Centre in the next two weeks.
