Seqwater’s Southern Region Operations Team’s positive approach to blood donation has seen them recognised as winners of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s 2021 Life Giving Legends Challenge Government Teams category.

Over the course of a year, members of the Operations Team rolled up their sleeves to donate blood 86 times and in doing so, have helped save 258 lives. 

Seqwater Southern Operations Manager Joe Meissner – fittingly referred to as ‘jOe positive’ during the blood drive – said he was thrilled at the result and proud of how many employees took part.

“We’ve organised regular visits with the blood bank mobile van and made it into a competitive challenge internally between the various offices within the Southern Operations Team,” Joe said.

The team became involved in the annual challenge back in 2018, inspired to help after one of their colleagues, Senior Irrigation Officer Carolyn McPherson who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia the year before.

The condition is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow and is characterised as an overproduction of immature while blood cells.

Carolyn said after she achieved remission and returned to work, she shared her experience with her colleagues, highlighting how crucial donated blood and blood products had been to her survival and recovery.

“I encouraged everyone in my team to donate blood if they were able to”, Carolyn said.

“My colleagues were so supportive and really stepped up and took action and donate to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and help save more lives.

“It’s been an overwhelming effort from everyone, demonstrating one of Seqwater’s core organisational values – Care”

Since their first involvement in the blood donation challenge back in 2018, the team has competed each year and even won multiple times before.

Carolyn said while the team’s award win was great, it was important to also acknowledge the efforts of everyday Queenslanders who donate to help others in their battle against blood and other cancers.

“If you are eligible, I encourage you to please donate, you can help save a life.”

To register a blood donations, please visit: www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/eligibility/how-you-can-give-life