Jordan Ablett – Mother and advocate
“I’m grateful to be a Good Friday Appeal ambassador for a third consecutive year. It’s really special to be part of an organisation that is determined to see children and their families being supported and loved while on a really difficult journey; and ultimately, to see these children overcome their health challenges. The GFA does an outstanding job at raising the necessary funding that allows these precious children to continue to receive what is truly world-class care.”
Ben Brown – Melbourne Football Club Player
“I support the Good Friday Appeal for the kids, their families and the amazing staff that work at the Children’s. What all these people have to go through is immense – physically, emotionally and financially. I want to show my support to them and assist, even if only in a small way, to make this year’s Appeal successful.”
Rebecca Maddern – News Presenter
A leading member of 7NEWS Melbourne’s top-ranking presenting team, Rebecca Maddern has showcased her tremendous versatility across a media career that spans more than 20 years. Across her first years at Seven, Maddern developed into a regular contributor on marquee programs such as Sunrise, The Morning Show, Seven News and special events like the AFL’s Brownlow Medal and Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. With experience hosting the Australian Open tennis, Cricket World Cup and Ashes, as well as popular entertainment programs, Maddern is a respected face on TV.
Hosting the 2022 Brownlow Medal alongside co-host Hamish McLachlan, as well as regular appearances across Seven’s AFL coverage, Rebecca is an integral part of Seven’s on-air team.
Peter Mitchell – News Presenter
Peter Mitchell has been an integral part of the Seven Network as a reporter, producer and presenter since 1988, but his talents have been as far-reaching as golf commentary, writing a weekly newspaper column and publishing a book.
In February 1988, the Seven Network approached Peter to join the network as Melbourne’s weekend news presenter – a position he held for almost 13 years. During this time, he also anchored segments from Barcelona for the 1992 Olympic Games, co-hosted Australia’s Most Wanted and presented The World Around Us.
In 1994, Peter joined Seven’s golf coverage, initially introducing the leading players on the first tee, before moving into the commentary box, culminating in the 1998 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.
His biggest day in the newsroom came on Sunday 31 August 1997. Peter presented an afternoon news flash; breaking into Seven’s football coverage to reveal the news that Princess Diana had died.
In 2023, Peter Mitchell will cover his 35th Good Friday Appeal for the Seven Network
Lucy Durack – Actress and Singer
“I am so honoured to be a Good Friday Appeal Ambassador. They do incredible work in supporting our wonderful Royal Children’s Hospital. As a parent I am more grateful than ever for the extraordinary efforts of GFA and the RCH, both of which are filled with all different types of real life superheroes.”
Hayden and Carlee Clements – Actors and Advocates
“We are grateful to be given the opportunity to be an ambassador for The Good Friday Appeal and Generation Give. When you give back you have a sense of purpose and volunteering is deeply rewarding. We want to be part of a generation who cares about and values the well being of all members of the community. We want to help make a difference because I believe everyone deserves the chance to have a good life.”
Carly Findlay – Australian Writer
“I spent a lot of time at the Royal Children’s Hospital as a child – as an outpatient and inpatient. It gave me a sense of community in a very isolating time. Going to the RCH school was a highlight for me. As an adult, I mentored young people in the Chronic Illness Peer Support Program – again, I saw the importance of connection and relatability for young, chronically ill people. I gained as much out of mentoring as the young people gained out of the peer program. So it’s an incredible honour to be an ambassador for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal – giving back to a cause that helps so many.”
Sam Wood – Health and Fitness Trainer
“Harper was really sick when she was born, and it gave us a first-hand insight into the amazing work the hospital does and it really opened our eyes, so when the opportunity came around to support, we jumped at it. I did Run For The Kids for the first time 10 years ago and I believe it’s one of the best running events in Australia. I can’t wait to be involved even more this year as an ambassador.”
Emma Murray – Mindfulness and High Performance Coach
“Our family arrived at the emergency department of RCH on Jan 16 2016 and we did not leave until midway through that year. The RCH became our home away from home when our son, 2 weeks shy of his 14 birthday, jumped from a pier at our local beach and sustained a spinal cord injury which left him quadriplegic with no feelings or movement from the chest and shoulders down.
We have forever thrown a coin or 2 into a GFA tin at the traffic lights, never once giving thought to where that money actually goes or why it is so important, until our son’s physical and mental survival relied on it.
The Royal Children’s Hospital is so much more than its medical care. It is an environment where families are adjusting, adapting and coping with life changing diagnosis’. From the gardens, to the clowns, to the music programs, psychologists, therapy dogs and more. The Royal Children’s Hospital is giving world-leading care.
Isn’t that what all Australian kids and their families deserve?
Being asked to be involved as an Ambassador for this year’s Good Friday Appeal I feel that it’s not about giving back but rather, paying it forward. I don’t wish for any child to have to be a patient at RCH for an hour let alone months on end but by giving my time and energy to support this cause, I know that I can help another family who find themselves in the position where the RCH becomes their home away from home.”
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