Meet Kylie Allen of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in Camberwell Junction

Inside the welcoming walls of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor centre in Camberwell Junction, Kylie Allen is hard at work.

As the donor centre manager, it’s Ms Allen’s job to ensure the centre meets its blood and plasma donation targets – a responsibility that directly impacts the availability of life-saving blood products for patients across the country.

But her role goes far beyond logistics and compliance. Ms Allen leads and trains a dedicated team of staff who are the beating heart of the donor centre. Together, they’re building a culture of warmth and professionalism that makes donors feel valued, comfortable, and motivated to keep coming back.

Because at Lifeblood, saving lives begins with creating a great experience – from the moment a donor walks through the door to the last sip of juice and bite of biscuit post-donation.

What is Lifeblood?

Lifeblood plays a critical role in Australia’s healthcare system. It collects, processes, and distributes blood and blood products to hospitals across the country, helping to treat patients in a wide range of medical situations – from traumatic accidents and surgery to cancer treatments and chronic illnesses.

With more than 33,000 donations needed every week, Lifeblood relies on the generosity of everyday Australians to meet demand. Unlike medications that can be manufactured, blood can only come from voluntary donations, and every drop makes a difference.

Lifeblood operates 79 permanent donor centres nationwide and visits more than 365 suburban and regional communities with pop-up and mobile centres.

Camberwell Junction’s permanent donor centre, which opened in November 2024, is a proud addition to this life-saving network. Since then, it’s quickly become a valuable part of the local community.

What can you donate?

At the donor centre in Camberwell Junction, people can donate either blood or plasma. A whole blood donation typically takes about an hour from start to finish, with the actual donation lasting just 5 to 10 minutes. Plasma donations take a little longer (about 90 minutes) but can help even more patients in need.

Before donating, each donor completes a health questionnaire and a short check-up, which includes measuring blood pressure and haemoglobin levels. From there, it’s time to sit back in a comfy chair, roll up your sleeve, and let the team take care of the rest. Afterwards, donors are treated to some well-earned snacks.

“If you’re feeling a little nervous, it is completely normal. Our friendly staff will put you at ease. The best part of the process is knowing you have made a positive difference to someone’s life,” Ms Allen said.

If you’re aged between 18 and 75, feeling healthy, and curious about whether you’re eligible, head to lifeblood.com.au and take the quick eligibility quiz. Many people who assume they can’t donate actually can – especially with eligibility criteria regularly updated based on the latest medical research.

Why donor centres matter

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products at some point in their life. Whether it’s a new mum experiencing complications, a child undergoing surgery, or someone fighting cancer, the need is real and constant. Cancer patients, in particular, are the largest users of donated blood and plasma.

Some people might only need blood once, but others require regular transfusions to manage long-term health conditions. That’s why donor centres are so important. They help maintain the supply needed to keep people alive and improve their quality of life.

Despite this need, only 3 per cent of eligible Australians donate. That’s about 500,000 people, yet more than 10 million are likely to be eligible. With demand rising alongside a growing and ageing population, every new donor helps close that gap.

The ripple effect of donating

Beyond the numbers and the science, blood donation is deeply personal. Many regular donors at Lifeblood have powerful reasons for giving. Some have watched loved ones receive life-saving transfusions.

“Camberwell has one family which donates together in memory of a loved one they lost to cancer. They saw the positive impact receiving blood products had on the quality of life the person they lost. None of them were donors prior to this experience but now donate as often as they can,” Ms Allen said.

Lifeblood’s Life is the Reason campaign, which launched in 2024, brings these stories to life, showing the many reasons why people donate. From the emotional (saving lives and helping others) to the practical (free snacks and friendly banter), every reason matters.

A community that cares

The Lifeblood donor centre in Camberwell Junction is more than just a place to give blood, it’s a hub of hope and community spirit.

With more than 2300 donations already made this year, the people of Camberwell have shown just how powerful local action can be.

Every time someone walks through those doors, they’re part of something bigger. They’re giving patients across Australia a second chance at life, better health, and time with their loved ones. And perhaps most importantly, they’re showing that in this community, compassion runs deep.

“You never know when you or someone you love may need blood or blood products,” Ms Allen said.

The donor centre in Camberwell Junction is open seven days a week so there are plenty of opportunities to donate. If you would like to book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

Visit the donor centre