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- Australia has one of the safest blood supply systems in the world.
- You can donate whole blood every 12 weeks.
- O negative blood is universal and can be given to anyone.
- Plasma and platelet donations can be made every 2 weeks.
- Every whole blood donation can save 3 lives.
- 1 in 3 people will need blood. Only 1 in 30 gives blood.
- Australia needs over 27,000 blood donations every week.
- 470mL of blood is collected when you give whole blood.
- Within 24-48 hours of giving blood, your blood volume is completely restored.
- Giving blood only takes about an hour.
- Plasma donations can be used to make 17 different products.
- Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days.
- 34% of donated blood goes towards helping cancer patients.
- You can start giving blood at 16.
- The blood service has been collecting blood for over 80 years.
- You can donate double platelets – helping twice as many people.
- Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days.

Many of our employees donate regularly. Find out what the blood service is all about and book your donation appointment today.
We are delighted you are considering a future with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. With over 3,000 employees nationally and 520,000 voluntary blood donors, the Blood Service offers you an attractive and fulfilling career.
We have roles across medical, research, administration, marketing and support services. And because the Blood Service is fully funded by governments of Australia, we are a unique not-for-profit, able to focus on saving lives by collecting over 27,000 donations from all around Australia every week.
Under current opportunities you can:
- view current available jobs
- apply for a position online
- upload your cv
- register for a job alert in case your ideal role is not yet advertised
There are so many good reasons to work for the Blood Service, from flexible arrangements to learning and development to salary packaging, health and wellness and staff recognition.
The ultimate satisfaction of working at the Blood Service is working somewhere you can truly believe in and knowing that each day, you have helped save lives.
Want to work for the Australian Red Cross?
If you are interested in a career with the Australian Red Cross please visit their careers page
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