Good Friday Appeal calls for Torquay help

The 2026 Good Friday Appeal for the Royal Children’s Hospital is facing a shortfall in both volunteers and donations, with local communities urged to step up and help ensure vital paediatric care continues across regional Victoria.

In recent months, Victorians have shown remarkable generosity following floods and fires, with volunteers quickly rallying to support those in need. That same spirit of community is now being called upon to support children’s health services closer to home.

Local Good Friday Appeal volunteer Area Manager Peter McMahon said regional fundraising plays a critical role in delivering high-quality care beyond Melbourne.

“It’s the same volunteers, with many more locals, who power the GFA fundraising throughout regional Victoria, including Torquay and its surrounds,” he said.

“Last year, Victorian volunteers successfully raised $23 million for the Good Friday Appeal, including millions distributed to local health services to help them achieve excellence in paediatric treatment not only in the Royal Children’s Hospital itself, but now also in our very own local health services.”

Mr McMahon said the need this year is even more pressing.

“But this year we desperately need our nearby health services to gain more of the same excellence as is available in the RCH in Melbourne, but we know money is tight.”

Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator at Barwon Health Karen Goddard said Good Friday Appeal funding has delivered tangible benefits for local families.

“After all, every child deserves top-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,” she said.

“Thanks to this funding, our staff are getting access to training and resources that you’d normally only find in Metro Melbourne.”

Ms Goddard said initiatives include consistent neonatal resuscitation training across the Barwon region, expanded support for young people with eating disorders and mental health challenges, and a major revamp of the Children’s Ward at University Hospital Geelong.

“We’ve seen firsthand just how much this funding has helped our region, and we’re excited to see what future support from the Good Friday Appeal might bring,” she said.

Residents keen to get involved can contact Mr McMahon, who is happy to share a range of local fundraising ideas.

To volunteer, email [email protected] or phone 0411 112 047.

To donate, visit the Good Friday Appeal website.