The Shoalhaven is a large and growing regional community with thousands of residents who are willing and eligible to donate blood and plasma. Despite this, there is currently no permanent donor centre in the region.

The closest fixed donor centre is located in Wollongong, requiring significant travel time, cost, and disruption for many potential donors. The only local alternative is an intermittent mobile donor bus, which:

*rotates locations and is not always accessible
*does not collect plasma, despite plasma being in constant demand
*limits the ability for donors to give regularly

A system that fails regional donors.
The former donor centre at Shoalhaven Hospital was removed despite strong community concern. Since then, the lack of local access has resulted in:

*reduced donation frequency
*lost plasma donation opportunities
*barriers for older donors, workers, carers, and those without reliable transport

We have repeatedly been told there are more than enough donors in the Shoalhaven to support a full-time centre, yet no permanent facility has been reinstated.

The urgency is real
Recent emergency appeals for blood, including O negative blood, have highlighted how quickly supply can be strained and how important local access is. While Australians are willing to step up, regional donors are being prevented from doing so due to lack of infrastructure.

Blood and plasma are not only needed during crises — they are required every day for:

*cancer treatment
*surgery and trauma care
*chronic illness
*childbirth and neonatal care

Our request
We respectfully call on decision-makers to:

*Commit to establishing a permanent blood and plasma donor centre in Nowra
*Recognise the Shoalhaven as a viable, donor-ready region
*Ensure regional communities have equitable access to lifesaving donation services

Our message
The Shoalhaven does not lack donors. It lacks access.

A permanent donor centre in Nowra would save lives, strengthen the blood supply, and allow our community to contribute consistently and reliably.