Local community smash Good Friday fundraising records

TORQUAY and its neighbouring towns have raised $86,243 for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) through this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

The new fundraising record was achieved through huge support from local businesses and organisations, who rattled tins and packed streets to support the cause.

The Torquay Lions Club set the highest single amount for the region with $47,000; almost $12,000 more than last year.

President Ross Yapp said financial assistance came from far and wide during the appeal.

Good Friday Appeal volunteer local area manager Peter McMahon (left) checks money counts with volunteers Karen Strahan, Lion Bill Ferguson, Belle Strahan and younger sister Lani. Photo: Supplied.

“Support from so many including Times News Group, Bunnings Waurn Ponds, Mt Duneed Men’s Shed, LA Movement, our own local GFA ambassador Belle Strahan and mum Karen, Ride the Wave bus service, and others drove the dollars towards the new record,” he said.

“Members of the Mt Duneed Men’s Shed were strong supporters of the Lions Club sausage sizzles, helping regularly at Bunnings barbecues in particular.”

This year, the Good Friday Appeal in partnership with the RCH, will provide another $3m in funding to health services across regional Victoria, taking the hospital’s excellence into the regions with new, paediatric-specific equipment, technology and training.

Local Good Friday Appeal volunteer area manager Peter McMahon praised all involved. “We know times are tough for many, and we’re so grateful for every act of generosity,” McMahon said.

Surf Coast Sharks member, Matt (Jonesy) Jones shows Peter McMahon the one $100 note donated at the Surfcoast Highway collection. Photo: Supplied.

“We didn’t expect to raise such a high amount this year, but obviously those in a position to give realised every dollar makes a difference, creating a ripple effect of change that can make a real impact to the lives of sick kids.”

Mr McMahon suggested the new regional funding would play a critical role in building the capability and capacity of health services across our region.

“The RCH at Parkville is a long way from our children in Torquay, Winchelsea, Aireys Inlet, and the like,” he said.

“We hope to help create a truly integrated paediatric service system, where health services learn from each other and share expertise. “I thank all who supported the 2026 appeal so generously.”

//SPONSORED CONTENT