No birthday is complete without cake, and the centre had a mega one, along with Tamworth identity Wally Warner who made the first donation at the centre this time last year.

Mr Warner began donating blood in the late 1950s and has made 147 whole blood donations since at an average of four each year.

“I just want to give to people,” he said.

“I always try to respect other people and want people to live longer, so I always try to help people. I can’t do anything more than that.”

Mr Warner said he felt “tremendous” after each donation.

Donor centre manager Tina Beard said one in three people needed blood during their lives, so many Tamworth families had been touched by the need for blood.

“The donation made at the new centre could be helping your neighbour, family member, colleague or friend spend another birthday with their family,” she said.

Community relations officer Annie Curtis said the one-year-old centre meant they could take more donations, which had encouraged more people to become donors.

There are also many more parking spaces at the new centre.

Coming up to the Labor Day long weekend, the donor centre is looking for people to donate before and after the holiday period as the need for blood never takes a break.

The centre is open the Saturday of the long weekend, but closed the Monday, reopening on Tuesday, October 8.

To make an appointment call 131 495 or visit donateblood.com.au