Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Michael Kimpton
Val & I moved to the Whitsundays from the big smoke 10 years back for a number of reasons. Primarily, it was to enjoy the tropical lifestyle and warm weather, marine activities and a tight-knit community feel.
We were aware as we approached our twilight years we would experience challenges with our new location. Compared to larger metropolitan cities our research showed there would be a lack of resources and infrastructure with stretched medical services. Another big wake up call for us was Cyclone Debbie and the impact it created for our community.
But what struck us the most was: why was Northern Qld dealt a bad hand of cards when trying to donate blood? Val & I were regular blood donors in Victoria but moving to Airlie Beach made this virtually impossible.
Back in 1977 after a traumatic motorcycle accident I received two units of blood on the side of the road which saved my life. This is where our commitment and passion come from to do the community thing and donate blood.
Whenever possible as our time frame permits, we donate blood in Mackay- just last Monday both Val & I commuted to Mackay to give blood. We have already been contacted to advise that the blood has been delivered to a patient at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, which was wonderful news!
But it’s not possible to donate closer to home.
This month blood services in England, Canada and Australia issued a critical joint appeal as National blood reserves have dropped globally by 30%.
The key decision makers of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have been found wanting in their management plan for Northern Queensland regional centres.
Townsville’s permanent centre only accepts plasma now which is very confusing. Plasma donating will take 45 minutes compared to normal whole blood donation time of 10 minutes.
Val & I had a formal meeting with Tim Nicholls MP and staff at the deputation Community Cabinet meeting in Mackay last November, liaison with Queensland and Federal politicians, Mayors & Councillors. We also raised the topic during our meeting with the Premier David Crisafulli MP last month in Proserpine.
Our region wants to think BIG for our future but we are all hamstrung by policies outside of our decision-making. Lachlan Jackwitz died in April this year in regional Queensland after waiting for 2 hours for blood.
It is unacceptable that our Whitsunday community of 40,000 people has lost the opportunity to conveniently donate blood and help reduce the chronic shortage of blood. A mobile blood bank operated out of Proserpine some time ago but why was it discontinued?
Visit to view Michael’s petition to bring a mobile blood bank to the Whitsundays: https://www.change.org/p/bring-a-mobile-blood-bank-to-the-whitsundays
Michael Kimpton
0417 717 818
mkmotivationalspeaker@gmail.com
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