This Saturday, November 3, the city will celebrate the biggest social event on the calendar, Derby Day.

Then on Tuesday, November 6, the Dubbo Turf Club will put on another cracking meeting when it hosts a Melbourne Cup race day.

But while many of us will be getting our best outfits ready, there are 16 appointments needing to be filled at the Dubbo Blood Donor Centre between November 3 and 6.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is urging residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.

With a shelf-life of only five days, the platelet component of blood plays a vital role in the treatment of cancer patients.

The Blood Service is concerned platelets from blood donations could run low by the time the last race is run on Melbourne Cup Day.

Blood Service spokesperson, Brian Bruce said while most people love to place a bet on the Melbourne Cup, the odds of someone needing blood in their lifetime were high.

“One in three Australians will need blood or a blood product in their lifetime, yet only one in 30 donates,” Mr Bruce said.

“The Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation, but it shouldn’t be the race that stops blood donation.

“We’re asking people to continue donating on Melbourne day to ensure the supply of this life- saving gift.”

The Blood Service is hoping to welcome 20,000 new donors by Christmas to meet Australia’s growing and diversifying population needs.

There’s never been a better time to start donating.

Dubbo Donor Centre is located at 150 Darling Street and is open:

To find your nearest donor centre and make an appointment to donate please call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.