Good Friday funds bound for regions

ALICIA S. COOK

MONEY raised during the annual Good Friday Appeal will now have even more impact with the announcement the funds will be shared with regional hospitals.

Revealed in Bendigo, the money will go towards the development of paediatric specialist services there as well as places like Ballarat and Geelong.

Good Friday Appeal chair Penny Fowler said extending funding to regional services had been a goal for some time, and was realised with support from The Royal Children’s Hospital and the State Government.

“In 2024 the Good Friday appeal will begin to distribute funds via the Royal Children’s Hospital to five regional paediatric health services,” she said.

The funds will go towards supporting training and scholarship programs, equipment upgrades, and improving links between RCH and the five nominated health services.

“This will help families in regional Victoria access the excellence of the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Fowler said.

“It will help families receive care closer to home, build capability and capacity in the regions and create stronger and more resilient communities across our state.”

The Good Friday Appeal has run since 1931 and over that time has raised more than $444 million, with more than $23 million added last year alone.

“We want to thank all the volunteers, regional area managers, partners, community groups, businesses, families and individuals who work so tirelessly and give so generously,” Ms Fowler said.

“The appeal has such a big heart thanks to all of your efforts.”

Victorian health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the announcement signalled a step towards ensuring the facilities and knowledge of the Royal Children’s are made accessible to regional hospitals.

“We don’t want children going to the children’s [RCH] unless they absolutely need to,” she said.

“We want children to be able to receive the very best care as close to home as possible.”

At Bendigo Health, the funds will assist in the development of an all-abilities playground and rehabilitation centre.