The 2025–26 Bleed4Blue campaign officially launched in Lismore this week, with Richmond Police District officers filling the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street to donate blood or plasma and encourage the community to do the same.

The national campaign runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026, challenging police across Australia to donate as much life-saving blood as they can over summer.

The campaign began after the Australia Day 2018 stabbing of Detective Sergeant John Breda, who required more than 100 bags of blood to survive. For local police, that story is a reminder of just how vital blood donors are.

More than 37,000 blood and plasma donations have been made as part of Bleed4Blue since its inception. 

Centre Services Officer Helen Sager said having 13 officers come through the doors was a huge boost at one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.

“How good is this! We’ve got a whole myriad of people here with great big veins, lots of blood pumping, and it’s good quality blood,” she laughed. “We are very grateful to have them in the building. At this time of year, around Christmas, we are desperately seeking donations. It’s wonderful to see, absolutely wonderful.”

(Helen Sager gives her always-entertaining instructions to the officers)

Helen said the centre is already feeling the seasonal pressures.

“There’s always a call-out at Christmas, but we also have a call-out for January because people go away,” she said. “We lose donors, and that’s okay, but we always need more people to take their place. If you’re interested in becoming a donor, now’s the time, jump online or call 13 14 95 and book in.”

Emergency service workers, she added, are frequent and valued visitors.

“We do see a lot of hospital, medical and emergency services people come through; they understand the demand,” she said. “But it’s even better when people come in because they want to do something great for another human being. We will always need more donors. Some people can no longer donate due to illness or ineligibility, so we need new blood in the door every single day.”

For Sergeant Brendan Shailes, the day marked his first-ever blood donation, and he admitted he was feeling “a bit nervous”.

“But it’s something to get involved in,” he said. “We see firsthand in policing how important blood donations are. Only the other day, I had to do an urgent blood run to Ballina to supply blood to someone in need. It shows how many people rely on donations.”

Brendan said the campaign gives officers a chance to lead by example.

“We’ve got 13 officers here today participating, which is really good to see. If I can do it, anyone can do it. The incidents we attend can heavily rely on this sort of thing to save people’s lives. If we can contribute, not just for our colleagues but for the general public, it’s a good cause to be part of.”

As the summer season ramps up, with holidays, road travel and reduced donor availability, the Lismore Lifeblood team hopes the Bleed4Blue momentum will carry into the wider community.

Lismore has long prided itself on showing up for one another, especially in moments of need. The Bleed4Blue campaign offers another way for locals to make a direct, life-saving difference.

(Constable Carolyn Groves donating plasma)

Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said, with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating is a simple thing many of us can do to save a life. 

“I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the Lismore community to donate too.”

“Donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas and beyond to treat sick and seriously ill people across Australia. 

“Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”

Lifeblood’s Lismore Donor Centre is open 6 days a week, they are only closed on Christmas Day.

To donate, visit the Lismore Lifeblood Donor Centre on Bounty Street, Lismore or book at lifeblood.com.au. Every donation counts.