By Aaron Cordy
BLEEDING for the company is something that’s often thrown around by employees around the world, staff of Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) have taken the saying literally by making regular blood donations.
GMW has a Lifeblood team of staff who donate blood at their local Lifeblood branches. In 2023, the team managed a total of 114 blood donations.
GMW asset planning manager Fiona Nioa is one of the regular donors for the team and has been donating blood for close to 20 years.
“I first tried to donate blood when I was 17 and I actually fainted,” said Ms Nioa.
“For quite a while I wasn’t allowed to try again but after many phone calls, I convinced them to let me have another go. Everything went smoothly, so I have been making regular donations ever since.”
GMW asset strategy and engineering support manager, Shayne Lowe is another who contributed to the Lifeblood Team tally. He said his family and colleagues were a big part of the reason he had begun giving blood.
“I now have friends and family who rely on blood donations, so I’m really grateful to be able to do my bit. It’s a small commitment but it goes a long way,” said Mr Lowe.
GMW allows employees to take leave to give blood to help incentivise staff to do so.
The Shepparton Donor Centre received over 8,500 lifeblood donations in 2023. To book a donation or check if you can donate, call 131 495 or visit the Lifeblood website: lifeblood.com.au
