Year of the Blood Donor 2009

To coincide with the 80th anniversary of blood collection services in Australia, the Federal Government designated 2009 the Year of the Blood Donor. It was an opportunity to showcase our 514,000 special donors and hear from the people whose lives are transformed by their generosity.

The program of activities included:

Launch of Year of the Blood Donor 2009
The official start to Year of the Blood Donor took place in Melbourne’s Federation Square on Wednesday 25 February 2009. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree, the main stage was a festival of entertainment with Melbourne band True Live, Neighbours star and singer, Sam Clark and 2008 Australian Idol contestant, Mark Spano.

Travelling Exhibition
Thousands of Australians across the country found out their blood type at the multi-media, interactive travelling exhibition.

Education Resource - Blood Buddies
The online resource, Blood Buddies, complements the curriculum for Years 7 - 10 and helps them learn about the science and uses of blood. Students can visit a virtual Donor Centre and learn about the history of blood donation.

Celebrating 80 years of saving lives
Find out about the the history of blood collection in Australia over the past 80 years, including: during the war years; the evolution of mobile blood collection units; and how the Blood Service continues to attract donors over the years by visiting the history of blood services.

A thank you trip on The Ghan
Australian Red Cross Blood Service and The Ghan celebrates their 80th anniversaries in 2009. To thank our blood donors we offered a competition prize of a trip on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin in a platinum cabin.