Good Friday Appeal is off and running in the Surf Coast region

NOW Christmas and New Year have passed, Good Friday, which this year falls on April 3, is rapidly approaching.

According to the Royal Children’s Hospital’s (RCH) Good Friday Appeal (GFA) volunteer area manager, Peter McMahon, between now and then is critical to our region’s young ones.

“The GFA activities have begun as individuals and groups settle into their fundraising efforts, aiming for our region to exceed 2025’s total of $70,000,” he said.

He encouraged more businesses and individuals to throw their weight behind the fundraising efforts happening on the coast and its hinterland.

“Anybody, any business, any group can raise funds for the 2026 appeal and, if necessary, I can help them get started. Ring me on 0411 112 047 or email [email protected].”

The funds raised through last year’s GFA have already delivered life-changing improvements and will continue to positively impact countless families across regional Victoria.

“Thanks to the generosity of Victorians and the unwavering support of the Good Friday Appeal, our smallest and sickest children are now receiving world-class care closer to home,” Mr McMahon said.

“Last year’s RCH $3 million investment in the regions, has provided a significant boost to regional paediatric health services, supporting critical projects such as upgrading lifesaving equipment, offering additional training and providing scholarships for healthcare professionals.

“Victoria’s south-west is a long way from the RCH in Parkville, Melbourne.

“This funding will help families between here and the South Australian border, by reducing travel times and improving medical outcomes, ensuring children can access the care they need closer to home”.

 

Mr McMahon said regional Victorians should have access to high-quality healthcare closer to home.

“The unwavering support from regional communities such as ours has helped the RCH achieve incredible outcomes both in the hospital and in the Victorian regions,” he said.

“It is my aim that through the GFA we continue to raise funds so necessary for our young people.

“The millions now allocated by the RCH to Victorian regions will continue to support vital projects aimed at enhancing patient care and equipping regional hospitals with much-needed resources.

“We want to ensure that regional Victorians have access to high-quality healthcare closer to home.”

Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver expressed her gratitude for the regional funding.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Barwon Health has enhanced the care we provide to children and their families, ensuring our Barwon South West community has access to local treatment and care,” she said.

Since it began, the GFA has raised $468 million to support sick kids and their families. Every dollar donated provides lifesaving care at the RCH and now enhances regional capacity, supports essential projects to improve patient care, and provides regional hospitals with crucial resources.

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