The 2025 Good Friday Appeal proudly announces in partnership with The Royal Children’s Hospital, a $3 million investment in regional health services, ensuring children in rural and regional Victoria have access to world-class medical care closer to home. This transformative funding builds on the $2.5 million provided in 2024, further demonstrating the Appeal’s steadfast commitment to supporting regional communities.

This year’s funding will benefit 41 health services across five regional areas in Victoria: Barwon South West, Gippsland, Hume, Grampians, and Loddon Mallee. For 35 of these health services, it marks the first time they will receive support from the Good Friday Appeal, making 2025 a truly groundbreaking year for regional healthcare.

The investment will deliver pediatric-specific equipment and advanced training programs, empowering healthcare workers to provide exceptional care to children. In the Hume region alone, over 20 health services will receive critical funding to enhance pediatric life support and intensive care services.

Additionally, this funding will drive innovative regional projects, including the enhancement of neonatal services in Barwon South West, the upgrade of pediatric therapy facilities in Gippsland, and the development of a virtual allied health triaging project to address Bendigo’s unique healthcare needs.

Penny Fowler, Chairman of the Good Friday Appeal, reinforced this message:
“For 94 years, the Good Friday Appeal has raised ​vital funds to support sick kids and their families. Every dollar donated provides life saving care at The Royal Children’s Hospital and this funding will ​take the RCH excellence into the regions to support essential projects to improve patient care, and provide ​regional hospitals with key resources.  By providing targeted support, we’re equipping health services with the tools and training they need to deliver world-class pediatric care.  

We want to thank our regional supporters who are at the heart of the Good Friday Appeal for their incredible fundraising efforts over the years”

Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, highlighted the significance of this initiative:
“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves access to the best healthcare available. This $3 million investment ensures regional health services can provide exceptional care closer to home, making a real difference in the lives of families across Victoria.”

• In Barwon South West, neonatal services will be strengthened with new equipment and specialised training for healthcare providers.
• In Gippsland, therapy spaces will be upgraded, and video conferencing tools introduced to improve care experiences for patients and their families.
• The Hume region will see investments aimed at advancing critical pediatric care, including life support and intensive care services.
• In the Grampians, a new play facility will be established to enhance family accommodation and provide comfort to young patients and their families.
• In Loddon Mallee, a virtual triaging and intake project will significantly improve access to allied health services for children in the region.

The generosity and dedication of communities across Victoria have been instrumental in making this funding possible. By rallying behind the Good Friday Appeal, Victorians continue to ensure that children across the state receive the care they deserve.

“Victoria’s regional communities are the heart of the Good Friday Appeal,” added Ms. Cowan. “This incredible contribution is a testament to the strength and generosity of people who continue to support our mission year after year.”

The 2025 Good Friday Appeal will take place on Friday, 18 April, bringing Victorians together to raise critical funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital and regional healthcare programs.

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The following health services across the five geographic regions will receive GFA funding in 2025-26:

• Barwon South West – Barwon Health, South West Healthcare, Colac Area Health Service, Western District Health Service, Portland District Health Service.
• Gippsland – Latrobe Regional Health, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Central Gippsland Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service, South Gippsland Hospital, Omeo District Health, West Gippsland Healthcare Group.
• Hume – Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Kyabram District Health Service, Mansfield District Hospital, Nathalia, Cobram & Numurkah (NCN) Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health, Yea & District Memorial Hospital.
• Grampians – Grampians Health, Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, Central Highlands Rural Health, East Grampians Health Service, East Wimmera Health Service, West Wimmera Health Service, Maryborough District Health Service, Rural Northwest Health.
• Loddon Mallee – Bendigo Health, Dhelkaya Health, Swan Hill District Health, Mildura base Public Hospital, Echuca Regional Health.