On Wednesday 20 May, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Good Friday Appeal hosted a special event to recognise and thank community groups and fundraisers for their extraordinary efforts in raising a record breaking $25,268,485 for the 2026 Appeal.
Hosted by Paediatrician Director of Health Literacy, Dr Anthea Rhodes, the evening celebrated 95 years of the Appeal being part of the Victorian community and supporting the hospital’s life changing work.
Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Peter Steer, addressed attendees and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the many supporters of the Appeal. He highlighted how the funds raised will support life changing advancements across the hospital, including a $3 million contribution towards regional health services.
Representing CFA was Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM, alongside members from Gisborne, Eynesbury, Horsham, Craigieburn, Werribee, Diggers Rest, Melton, Point Cook, Yarrambat and Bulla Brigades.
Garry proudly accepted a plaque recognising CFA’s rich 75-year partnership with the Appeal. Several brigades and members were also acknowledged for their long-standing support, including Bulla Brigade for 10 years of fundraising, Diane English from Craigieburn Brigade for 25 years of support, and Gisborne Brigade for an outstanding 50 years of fundraising.
CFA has proudly supported the Good Friday Appeal for 75 years and, in 2026, CFA volunteers with the generous support of their local communities raised a record breaking $2.15 million. This brings CFA’s total contribution to the Appeal to more than $43 million over the years.
Across the state, CFA volunteers could once again be seen at traffic lights and aboard fire trucks collecting donations in their local communities, continuing a proud and long-standing tradition of support for the hospital.
Funds raised through the Good Friday Appeal help ensure the hospital remains at the forefront of paediatric care by supporting world class treatment, the latest medical equipment, and vital research to give sick children the best possible start in life.
To learn more about the extraordinary impact of this support, we encourage you to read the latest Community Report, which highlights the many initiatives made possible through funds raised and recognises the thousands of volunteers, partners and donors from across Victoria who continue to support the hospital.
| Submitted by |
Georgina Hill |