Community
24 April, 2025
Locals dig deep
THE people of Warrnambool and surrounding towns have once again dug deep for the annual Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The appeal is always a popular one across the western district, with businesses, families and individuals giving what they can to help fund additional resources and research at the hospital.
Following an early morning ‘muster’ at the Warrnambool Fire Station on Mortlake Road, tin shakers were out on the streets of Warrnambool collecting donations.
Warrnambool brigade captain Tom Woodhams thanked all those who had given their time to collect across town, along with those who had donated.
“Once again we had a wonderful united effort, between us (Warrnambool brigade), Woodford, Winslow, Purnim, Grassmere and Wangoom fire brigades, along with FRV and the SES,” Captain Woodhams said.
“We tried to cover as much of the town as possible throughout the day but Warrnambool is a big city and we really could do with some extra volunteers.
“We would love to hear from sports clubs or community groups, particularly those involving children, who would be keen to help us with the collection on Good Friday next year.
“Last year we raised around $28,000 and this year our final tally was just over $36,014 which was amazing.”
Several fire trucks wound their way through streets on Friday, often with lights flashing and sirens going, encouraging people to donate if they could.
“People were very generous; it’s a cause so close to many people’s hearts. Many of us have needed, or know of others who have needed, the wonderful facilities at the Royal Children’s over the years and this (the Good Friday Appeal) is an opportunity for us to give back.”
The final regional tally, announced late on Friday night, showed Warrnambool had donated almost $100,000 – reaching $99,419.
In nearby Koroit, residents donated a further $9,584 while Port Fairy residents contributed $27,131.
In Garvoc, the town continued its tradition of showing great support for the appeal, this year raising an incredible $48,979.
