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The 2025 Defence Blood Drive has seen a major increase in donations, up 5.1 per cent from the year before.
The annual Defence Blood Drive, which has been operational since 2009, ran from 1 September to 8 December, seeing over nearly 8,500 donations from Navy, Army, Air Force, and Defence Public Service members, as well as 10,449 from defence industry personnel.
Together, these donations will save more than 25,500 lives across the country.
Defence Blood Drive ambassador and Director-General of Navy Health, Commodore Kate Tindall, emphasised the efforts of Defence Force members in being active and willing participants in the program, encouraging them to continue achieving these numbers throughout the year.
“Let’s build on this momentum and aim to do even better this year. If you haven’t donated before, do consider it. And if you have, spread the word and encourage your colleagues.”
“Defence personnel serve to keep Australians safe and the Defence Blood Drive is an extension of their service,” CDRE Tindall said in September.
“It shows Defence cares for the community and is always ready to help. Defence also understands the importance of blood in general and why blood donation is so critical.”
The Navy scored the highest numbers, with the most donations per capita at 14.31 per cent and 152 new donors. They additionally recorded the largest plasma donations per capita at 9.25 per cent.
“My challenge to everyone for 2026 is to keep it going,” CDRE Tindall said.
Lifeblood is continuing major nationwide efforts to encourage blood and plasma donations following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which saw 15 innocent people die and left many more in critical conditions.
The Defence Blood Drive’s 2026 run will last from 1 July to 30 September.
