Regions receive funding from Good Friday Appeal

THE Barwon South West region will receive $600,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

From the $23,822,792 total raised through the annual appeal, $3 million will be invested into 41 regional health services across Victoria and southern New South Wales.

This will mark the second consecutive year of regional funding from the appeal, creating an integrated paediatric network for families to access quality care closer to home.

Upgrades across the Barwon South West region will include clinical equipment and workforce training to elevate care for children and young people.

Advanced education access, expert-led training and essential teaching tools are also included in the funding, alongside the purchase of life-saving equipment.

Barwon Health chief executive officer Frances Diver said rural communities play a huge role in fundraising.

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Good Friday Appeal to facilitate expert care closer to home for families.”

Barwon Health, South West Healthcare, Colac Area Health Service, Western District Health Service and Portland District Health Service will all benefit from the money.

The funding in regional communities is expected to have a lasting impact, improving care for newborns, children and young people from the ground up.

Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said the investment reflects the appeal’s deep commitment to regional families.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital will always be there for the most complex cases, but with this funding, we’re helping ensure that more children can access the care they need, closer to home. “It’s a testament to the incredible generosity of Victorians.”

To recognise the generosity of communities who donated, the Good Friday Regional Road Trip headed out around Victoria to spotlight volunteers, donors and fundraisers.

The contributions will now directly benefit local children through the generosity of their own towns.