Twenty donors are needed at the centre on both January 26, which is a regular Saturday, and on the public holiday, which falls on Monday, January 28.

Blood Service spokeswoman Cathy Chapman said the centre was not always open on a public holiday, but it was important staff be available to take donations next weekend.

“That’s because of the component of platelets, that only last four to five days,” she said.

“We need donors before and after Australia Day to replenish supply of platelets that only have a short shelf life and are are used a lot for cancer patients.

“We will be open 8am until 2pm on the Saturday and from 9am until 2pm on Monday, so people can get in before the heat.

“Blood donation takes just one hour – it’s such a short time spent saving lives.”

Related:

Ms Chapman said thanks to the support of locals like John Cretan from Lavington, who made his 270^th donation on Friday, supply had been steady throughout the Christmas period.

“Statewide I know we ended up with quite good donations as well, and we’re hoping people will come again,” she said.

“It’s important with the heat people stay hydrated and eat – when it’s hot none of us like having too big a meal – but people should eat three hours prior to donating.

“People might be looking to do something special to commemorate Australia Day and I can’t think of anything better than saving three lives by donating.”

Every month the Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs 8000 new donors to sign up to donate blood, as while one in three people will need blood over their lifetime, only one in 31 people donates.

At certain times of the year, such as during holidays, flu season or natural disasters, many regular donors miss appointments.

Donors who have O-Negative blood are particularly important as it is a universal blood type that can be used in a emergency situation where a patient’s blood type is unknown.

To make an appointment visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.