The impact of donating blood for those in need is something that Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) Matthew Bowles knows well.
The Tatura local has been donating blood for about 25 years, with his 93 donations helping up to 279 people.
The Asset Planning Coordinator is one of GMW’s Lifeblood team members. The team is comprised of staff across the business who donate blood at their local Lifeblood branches.
In 2025, the team managed a total of 165 donations which helped to save the lives of up to 495 people.
The number of donations was 30 more than in 2024.
During his more than 10 years at GMW, Matthew has provided nearly 40 blood and plasma donations.
His latest donation was at the Shepparton Donor Centre on Monday 23 March 2026.
He said one of the reasons he was eager to continue donating was seeing the impacts donated blood has had for his family.
“My brother was in a really bad accident and needed some blood,” he said.
“My sister-in-law, when she gave birth, she needed about seven units of blood. I‘ve had other friends who have had issues with pregnancy too.
“I don’t think about considering donating anymore. I just know it’s good to do.”
Matthew first donated blood when he was at university in Melbourne.
His second donation was several years later in Shepparton when he went to the local clinic at the hospital.
That trip made him eager to help out the clinic in other ways.
“I volunteered there for a year and a half. I remember that well,” he said.
“There's still some ladies at the blood bank in Shepparton that I remember. We know each other by name.”
GMW encourages employees to donate by providing specific leave for giving blood.
The GMW Lifeblood Team has already racked up 47 donations in 2026.
The Shepparton Donor Centre collected just over 9000 blood and plasma donations in 2025, saving up to 27,000 lives.
Lifeblood spokesperson Aania Tandon said Matthew’s generous donations have gone to helping people of all ages and from all walks of life.
“The main users of blood and blood products include people undergoing cancer treatment, women giving birth, trauma victims and people with blood disorders and immune conditions,” she said.
“Data shows one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates.
“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life. You never know whose life you might be saving.”
To book a donation or check if you can donate, call 131 495 or visit the Lifeblood website: www.lifeblood.com.au