Navy may have been pipped by Army in last year's blood drive, but it is off to a strong start in 2025 with the HMAS Harman command team leading the way.
Commanding Officer HMAS Harman Commander Dean Thompson donated blood for the first time at the 2025 Defence Blood Drive launch on September 1, joined by some committed staff.
A nervous Able Seaman Taliah Rayner also rolled up her sleeve as a first-time donor, encouraged by seasoned participant Lieutenant Amy Harney, who sat in the chair for the 46th time.
"I'm not sure if I should be throwing the gauntlet to any specific establishments, but our feeling at Harman is there is no better way to give back to our community than giving blood," Commander Thompson said.
"We all joined the Navy with a desire to serve. I challenged my staff to think outside the box and find unique ways to meet that aim, and giving blood is an easy and richly rewarding service.
"I have 35 people in my immediate command staff, they are small but mighty, and serving our community is one of my command priorities."
The father of two understands the lifesaving nature of blood donations as his wife is a paediatric intensive care nurse.
"It's about perspective," Commander Thompson said.
"I like to think that one little needle prick can change the life of a child having multiple surgeries for a life-limiting disease, someone going through cancer treatment, or a loved one in an emergency."
'You may not be a fan of needles, and I'm definitely not, but you are saving a life and that's all that really matters.'
Last year, 1396 Navy members donated during the blood drive, including 117 first-time donors, beating Air Force's 1150 donors. Army had 1822 donors, including 224 first timers.
Maritime grey uniforms dominated at the blood drive launch, however, and 2025 Defence Blood Drive Ambassador Commodore Kate Tindall was not shy in declaring who would top this year's donor tally.
"We are One Defence, except when it comes to the blood drive," Commodore Tindall said.
"I am very confident Navy is going to win this year."
It was the encouragement of Harman colleagues that spurred Able Seaman Rayner to register as a blood donor.
"It's been a topic at Harman for quite a while," she said.
"I was returning to Harman after my donation and thinking, I did something really good today. It was great to see all the Defence people in uniform donating. I'm going to start doing it regularly.
"You may not be a fan of needles, and I'm definitely not, but you are saving a life and that's all that really matters."
Lieutenant Harney's first blood donation was more than 20 years ago as a nursing student at the University of Canberra.
"I went with a friend to hold their hand and ended up donating, too," she said.
"I used to be a registered nurse at The Children's Hospital at Westmead and have seen the huge benefits of blood donations in lots of cardiac surgeries, organ transplants and so many procedures.
"It's about giving back to the community, that's my motivation."
Visit the Lifeblood website to find a donor centre near you.
