Mackay Regional Council Leaders Encourage Community Blood Drive

Mayor Greg Williamson and CEO of Mackay Regional Council Gerrod Carlyon rolled up their sleeves this May to make a crucial, life-saving donation to Lifeblood Mackay. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Mayor Greg Williamson has once again rolled up his sleeves for 2026, as staff and community members unite to support the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive.

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By his side was CEO of Mackay Regional Council Gerrod Carlyon. This year marks the first time Mr Carlyon has personally taken part in the initiative since joining the organisation.

“Our staff love to get behind community initiatives, whether it’s the blood donation initiative or a whole range of other things we do in the community.” Mr Carylon said.  

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“It’s really important that we support this initiative as an organisation and a community.”

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The blood drive began on April 1st and will run for three months, with council staff and community members encouraged to donate blood and plasma before it concludes on June 30th.

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Australian Red Cross Lifeblood hopes more than 45 donations will be made locally during the campaign, with both Mayor Williamson and Mr Carlyon helping boost the tally.

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Mayor Williamson said council was proud to once again support the initiative, setting a friendly challenge to exceed last year's effort of 33 donations.

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"With one donation saving up to three lives, Mackay Regional Council made a great impact last year, saving up to 99 lives," Mayor Williamson said.

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"Our staff and community are once again stepping up to support this extremely critical service, and I strongly encourage others to donate as well. We have a very generous community in our region," he said.

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Mr Carlyon also reflected on the strong community spirit within the organisation.

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"I feel privileged to lead a team that promotes giving back and recognises the value of giving blood and plasma for the community," Mr Carlyon said.

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"Well done to our wonderful staff that have donated so far. Their generosity is already making a real difference," he said.

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Australian Red Cross Lifeblood North Queensland spokesperson Gwendolyne Camaret said local government organisations consistently showed strong leadership in community giving.

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"We know Mackay Regional Council has many incredible donors already and we look forward to welcoming first-time donors who are inspired to donate as part of this blood drive too," Gwen said.

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"New blood donors are always needed, especially during winter," she said.

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"At this time of year many of our regular donors are sick with colds and flu, but the need for blood doesn't stop.

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"There are more than 200 appointments available to donate at Lifeblood's Mackay Donor Centre in the next two weeks."

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The demand for blood products continues to rise as the population grows, with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood requiring around 33,000 donations each week to meet patient needs across Australia.

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Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are among the most common uses for donated blood.

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"With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime, you never know when it might be a family member, a neighbour or someone from your community who needs it," Gwen added.

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"Every drop counts and all it takes is an hour of your time."

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