In the days following the Bondi tragedy, Australians have responded with an overwhelming show of compassion, rolling up their sleeves in record numbers to help strangers they may never meet. According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, close to 50,000 people have donated blood or plasma in the past week alone, with more than 120,000 additional appointments booked for the weeks ahead.
Donor centres across the country were inundated as people searched for meaningful ways to support those affected, helping replenish vital blood supplies used to treat patients injured in Bondi. The response has come at a crucial time, with hospitals preparing for increased demand as they work to discharge patients ahead of Christmas.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen said the scale of generosity had been extraordinary, but stressed the importance of keeping booked appointments to maintain a steady supply. “I want to thank every person who donated, booked an appointment, encouraged someone else to give, or reached out with offers of support,” he said. “The need for blood is ongoing, with hospitals requiring blood every single day for trauma patients, cancer treatment, and life-saving surgeries. Every donation counts and maintaining a steady supply ensures patients receive the care they need—not just today, but in the weeks ahead.”
The festive season is traditionally one of the most challenging periods for blood supplies, with demand remaining high while regular routines are disrupted. Blood is required every day between Christmas and New Year to treat sick and seriously ill Australians, and some blood products have an especially short shelf life.
Platelets, a critical component used to prevent life-threatening internal bleeding, last just seven days. This means donations must continue daily throughout the holiday period to ensure patients receive timely treatment. “The need for platelets has risen by almost 20% over the past five years, and last year pre-Christmas demand reached record levels,” Stephen said. “Every blood donation contains platelets, which are vital for preventing life-threatening internal bleeding in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.”
While the immediate response to Bondi has been powerful, Lifeblood is reminding Australians that the need does not end when headlines fade. Trauma patients, people undergoing cancer treatment, and those requiring urgent surgery rely on blood and plasma every single day of the year.
“It could be someone you love who needs blood or blood products this Christmas,” Stephen said. “Blood donations save lives, so please give the greatest gift of all and donate blood or plasma in the next fortnight.”
Australians are encouraged to keep existing bookings or make a new appointment by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or downloading the Lifeblood App.
