With fires and floods wreaking havoc across the state, volunteers in the Geelong region are putting their hands up to help others.
Local volunteer area manager for the 2026 Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal (GFA) Peter McMahon praised the efforts of those volunteers, including many locals he knows.
“Despite their great efforts in emergencies, they also jump in to raise critical funds for the GFA,” Mr McMahon said.
“Volunteers power the GFA fundraising throughout regional Victoria, including Torquay and its surrounds.
“For the past several years, Victorian volunteers have successfully raised millions for the Good Friday Appeal including millions distributed to local health services to help them achieve excellence in paediatric treatment not only in the RCH itself, but now also in our very own local health services.
“Last year, the RCH invested $3 million in regional health services, increasing their capability and keeping patients closer to home.”
Mr McMahon said the Geelong region benefitted directly from the RCH’s investment.
“Barwon South West Health Services, including Barwon Health, won a share of the $3 million regional paediatric investment, providing a significant boost to our regional health services,” he said.
“The funds support critical projects such as upgrading lifesaving equipment, offering additional training, and providing scholarships for healthcare professionals. ”
Mr McMahon said Torquay’s Lions Club and the Mt Duneed Men’s Shed had already raised valuable dollars toward the local target of $100,000 through sausage sizzles at Bunnings Waurn Ponds.
“So far, the two groups have raised $10,000 towards the Good Friday Appeal,” he said.
“Think of the number of young people and families adversely affected by the fires and floods and it is easy to understand why it is critical to expand the RCH excellence to the regions to save travel, where possible, to Melbourne.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to build on this impact even further in 2026, and for local volunteers to again come together to support sick kids and their families through the Good Friday Appeal.
Contact Peter McMahon on 0411 112 047 or at ben.bon1@bigpond.com for information on how to volunteer.
