Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves when the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood blood bus returns to Ararat from Wednesday 12 August to Saturday 15 August 2026.
The mobile donor centre will be located in the Ararat RSL car park, right near the Ararat Library, making it easy for locals to book an appointment and donate close to home. The blood bus is now a regular visitor to Ararat Rural City, reflecting the strong community spirit and the willingness of residents to step up when it counts.
Mayor Cr Bob Sanders said the upcoming visit is another opportunity for the community to support patients across Australia who rely on donated blood.
“Every time the blood bus comes back to Ararat, our community shows up,” Mayor Sanders said. “We’ve got locals who quietly book their spot, roll up their sleeves, and walk out knowing they’ve helped someone they’ll probably never meet. That’s the sort of community we are here in Ararat Rural City, and it’s why Lifeblood keeps bringing the bus back.”
About one in three Australians will need blood or blood products at some point in their lives, whether due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma from road accidents, or complications during childbirth. A single blood donation can help save up to three lives, and Lifeblood needs more than 29,000 donations every week to meet demand from hospitals around the country.
Mayor Sanders said these figures show how important it is for regional communities to continue to support blood donation. “When you look at the numbers, it’s clear that donated blood touches the lives of families in every town,” he said. “If you’ve been thinking about donating for the first time, or getting back into the habit, this is your chance to do it right here at home. Book in, bring a mate, and make a morning or afternoon of it.”
Residents are encouraged to book an appointment ahead of the August visit via the Lifeblood website or app, or by calling 13 14 95. https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/ararat-mobile-donor-centre
