Communities raise tens of thousands for Good Friday Appeal

EFFORTS across the Surf Coast, Bellarine, and Geelong have contributed significantly to this year’s Good Friday Appeal, raising over $23 million in 2024, with $2.5 million in funding to go directly to regional health providers.

Geelong topped the regional leaderboard for collective funds raised, totalling $234,000 as a city, edging out Ballarat for top spot by just under $16,000.

Torquay and Barwon Heads each managed to crack the top 20 as community, raising $75,000 and $63,948 respectively.

Surf Coast coordinator for the Good Friday Appeal Peter Thomas said he was emotional at the community’s strong response to this year’s appeal.

“Our local community was so generous. We’re in the top 10 contributors of Victorian regional towns,” Mr McMahon said.

“As well as wonderful individuals raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal, we had our local business community hopping in to help.

“Torquay Lions Club members have been on the job for the past few months chasing dollars for this year’s appeal.

“Lions Members co-ordinated fundraising from sausage sizzles and donations from local businesses to achieve a wonderful total of $32,400. Torquay businesses chipped in to help as well.

“Among small businesses who contributed so much, were Dusty’s Bulk Foods off Gilbert Street, LA Movement in Torquay’s North, and McCartney Real Estate provided collectors to help with Good Friday’s highway collection.”

The Tin Shed was able to raise $60,000 at its annual Good Friday Appeal fundraiser on Sheepwash Road in Barwon Heads through raffles and auctions, and included a special visit from Cats legend Joel Selwood.

The Tin Shed secretary Ian Perrett said business showed a tremendous amount of support for the event on Good Friday, donating over 250 items to be sold.

“Everyone was very generous on both sides of the book for the event, and we were extremely happy to have the Spirit of Tasmania sponsoring the event again,” Mr Perrett said.

“We had extra facilities and marquees to accommodate the number of participants we expected for this year, but all got involved again and that’s what this event is all about.”

Since 2014, The Tin Shed has raised $413,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

To view how your town contributed to the appeal, head to goodfridayappeal.com.au/regional-tally-board