Surf Coast community delivers record $86K for sick kids

RESIDENTS in Torquay and Mt Duneed have smashed their Good Friday Appeal fundraising record, raising $86,243 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Volunteer area manager Peter McMahan praised the community effort, saying the result was driven by a broad mix of local donors, volunteers and businesses.

“The 2026 record was achieved by wonderful individuals raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal, and had local businesses and organisations lifting their donations,” he said.

“The Torquay Lions Club and friends set the highest single amount for the region.”

 

The club coordinated fundraising from sausage sizzles and donations from local businesses to bring in $47,013 – almost $12,000 more than last year.

“Support from so many, but 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,” Torquay Lions Club president Ross Yapp 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’s appeal will contribute to a further $3 million in funding to health services across regional Victoria, helping extend the hospital’s expertise beyond Melbourne through paediatric equipment, technology and training.

 

“We know times are tough for many, and we’re so grateful for every act of generosity,” McMahon said.

“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.”

A goal of the Royal Children’s Hospital is to create an integrated paediatric service system, where health services learn from each other and share expertise.

McMahan suggested the new regional funding would be critical in strengthening local services, particularly given the distance between Parkville and communities such as Torquay, Winchelsea and Aireys Inlet.

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