It will be shut from January 30 to February 8.

The opportunity to donate also comes at a key time for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service with about an extra 35 blood donors needed from Australia Day to help meet patient needs.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Wendy Todd said blood donation takes just one hour, which she said was such a short time to save three lives.

“We’re asking Ballarat residents who have never donated blood before to become local legends and trade places with our regular donors who are away for the Australia Day public holiday,” Ms Todd said.

“Unfortunately the need for blood does not take a holiday for patients suffering from cancer, blood disorders and blood loss through road trauma and childbirth.

“With one in three Aussies needing a blood product in their lifetime, but only one in 30 of us donating, Australia Day is the perfect time to give back to the local community and reverse those worrying statistics with the first of many blood donations.”

To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit the website at donateblood.com.au.

The Ballarat Blood Donor Centre is located at 601-603 Latrobe Street.

It will be open from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Thursday, January 26, 7.30am to 3pm on Friday, January 27 and 8.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, January 28.