2023 Community Report

A MESSAGE FROM BERNADETTE MCDONALD, CEO, THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

At The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), we are honoured and humbled by our community of supporters who go above and beyond to fundraise for us through the Good Friday Appeal.

Every year I am amazed by the result, and this year’s record-breaking $23,061,320 is no different - we know that recent times have proved challenging for a lot of people and we are deeply grateful for every dollar raised.

Our hospital has been through many changes over the past few years, but some crucial things have remained constant - our commitment to delivering the best patient and family-centred care, and the unwavering support of our community. The RCH holds a very special place in the hearts of generations of Victorians and for 92 years, they have helped us create one of the best children’s hospitals in the world through the Appeal.

This year, your generous donations will go towards brand new equipment and technology, including upgrades to 19 electrosurgical units. On average, we perform almost 13,000 surgeries every year and these new devices will ensure we have the best equipment in the world to support the work of our world leading surgeons.

Babies in our Newborn Intensive Care Unit will benefit from upgrades to the current RETCAM system used by our Ophthalmology department. Regular eye tests using the RETCAM play a pivotal role in how we monitor the extent of any retinal damage and help save the sight of our tiniest newborns.

And thanks to funds raised through this year’s Appeal, our patients will have access to our expanded Garden Program. Gardening has many benefits for our patients and will provide a fun, non-clinical activity that acts as an educational and therapeutic distraction from their treatment.

With the backing of the Good Friday Appeal and so many incredible Victorians, we can continue to benefit the lives of children and families everywhere. So, on behalf of our patients, families and staff, thank you for making the 2023 Good Friday Appeal our most successful yet and we look forward to achieving even greater things through your support.

Bernadette McDonald CEO, THE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

L-R: Aru, Penny, Arlo, Rebecca

A MESSAGE FROM PENNY FOWLER, CHAIRMAN AND REBECCA COWAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

The Good Friday Appeal is an extraordinary cause and one that is close to the hearts of so many. This year, it was no different with the community uniting to raise $23,061,320 for The Royal Children’s Hospital. To our committed volunteers, tin shakers, country towns, media and corporate partners, suppliers, community groups, and everyone who donated or watched the Telethon, and to the Federal and Victorian Governments, thank you we couldn’t have achieved this without your support.

Our much loved events played a key role in connecting the community. Run for the Kids had over 19,000 participants including families, friends and work colleagues running and walking over the Bolte Bridge and through the Domain tunnel. Kids Day Out saw 102,500 visitors enjoy the family fun festival filled with rides, entertainment, sports and the popular Teddy Bear Hospital at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Also at the MCEC the phone room took over 8000 phone donations, supported by long standing partner Telstra, and the Money Counting Room processed over $800,000 in cash, both of which are very special traditions of the Appeal.

Our Principal Partners, Herald Sun and Channel 7, continued their support by sharing life changing stories to demonstrate the impact of the community’s generosity. Channel 7’s Telethon provided entertainment throughout the day and into the late evening with outstanding support from their talented stars, personalities and crew. This, combined with support from 3AW and Neil’s Cruise for the Kids fundraiser, Ace Radio Network, Nova, Smooth FM, NEP Studios and QMS Media, inspired the community to give.

Our Area Managers in country towns harnessed local goodwill to raise $4.5 million regionally. The CFA brigades rattled tins at traffic lights across Victoria to raise $1.6 million. RCH Auxiliaries were innovative and passionate in raising $1.39M along with Uncle Bobs Club, Pied Pipers and thousands of volunteers providing invaluable support once again. Longstanding collection groups, Aviation Rescue and the German Shepherd Club respectively marked 30 and 40 years of fundraising for the Appeal.

We saw kids supporting kids through Generation Give with over 225 schools being creative and active. Leading the way was Elisabeth Murdoch College with the fifth iCAN Challenge that involved four Langwarrin schools walking 50 km from St Kilda to Frankston to raise $225,643. In addition,

many community groups and local fundraisers got behind the cause including Scott who ran 1000 km in 10 weeks, a 12 hour mini golf marathon and Shear for the Kids with over 40 shearers donating their wages as they sheared 700 sheep!

Many businesses were once again outstanding in their support. Woolworths raised $1.36 million by engaging their teams and customers to round up and donate in store. Bambi Mini Co donated the proceeds from their sock range sold in Chemist Warehouse stores and other partners included Cadbury, Costco, Little Athletics and the Decjuba Foundation.

The raffle sold over 96,000 tickets and raised over $1.1M with prizes being donated by our wonderful partners Mazda, Majestic Caravans, TEMPUR, Woolworths, Telstra, Kogan, Inspiring Vacations and Qatar Airways.

The Charity House, located in Lara, was generously donated by Henley in their 31st year and Villawood provided the land in their 14th year to raise $1,010,000 with all the trades, furniture, fixtures and every dollar from the sale donated.

Sports fans found ways to support the Appeal as well as their favourite codes through the AFL Superclash game with North Melbourne hosting Carlton on Good Friday and Melbourne Storm dedicating their game. Racing Victoria showed their support through the All Star Mile and Country Racing in Geelong along with Greyhound Racing Victoria, new partners the VRC and Ice Hockey teams, Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs getting involved.

The Good Friday Appeal has now raised an extraordinary $444 million since 1931. The Appeal is all about donating what you can as every dollar counts and every donation impacts the lives of sick kids and their families. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and generosity in helping to create one of the best children’s hospitals in the world.

Penny Fowler CHAIRMAN

Rebecca Cowan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IN NUMBERS

TOTAL RAISED $23,061,320

Thanks to our top supporters:

Regional Victoria $4,598,340

Federal Government $2,000,000

CFA $1,606,287

RCH Auxiliaries $1,398,899

Woolworths $1,368,295

Henley & Villawood Charity House $1,010,000 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for

Victorian Government $1,000,000

Superclash $247,146

Neil’s Cruise for the Kids $235,890

iCAN Challenge $225,643

Pied Pipers $224,586

Planetshakers Empower $220,946

Uncle Bobs Club $211,081

Decjuba Foundation $200,000

THANK YOU

In 2023, communities across Victoria and beyond generously contributed to the

resulting in a historic achievement.

FINAL TALLY RECORD $23,061,320

The Good Friday Appeal has raised $444 million in 92 years for the RCH. The Appeal continues to shine a light on the very best in our community and this year’s Appeal is no exception. We are incredibly grateful to all communities in Victoria and all our supporters for digging deep for the RCH. Regional Victorians raised $4,598,340 through various fundraising activities such as tin shaking, raffles, events, and auctions. Thanks to all supporters, from our Area Managers and long-term fundraisers to first-time participants, for being part of a caring community with a legacy of giving.

THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers form the backbone of the Appeal, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one. We thank everyone who donated their time, talent, and resources. We appreciate our Regional Area Managers, Community Groups, schools, sporting groups, individuals, and thousands of volunteers who contributed in ways such as tin shaking, phone donations, event assistance, and behind-the-scenes work, including the creativity and dedication of our fundraisers.

RCH Good Friday Appeal,

FACES OF THE APPEAL

Arlo and Aru, our Little Ambassadors, played a vital role in supporting the 2023 Good Friday Appeal by generously sharing their stories and time before and during the event. We extend our gratitude to them and their families for their significant contribution.

Both Aru and Arlo needed life-saving heart surgery and treatment from The Royal Children’s Hospital cardiology team.

ARLO

At just two years old, Arlo is sweet and social, radiating confidence and a cheeky sense of humour—by looking at him, you would never know that he was born with half a heart.

With an extremely rare condition called hypoplastic right heart syndrome together with five other heart defects, Arlo’s cardiac diagnosis is described as complex resulting in six major surgeries in his short life.

Arlo will forever need lifelong cardiology care, but with all things going to plan, this procedure will enable Arlo to have an improved blood circulation allowing him to lead a long and healthy life.

Thank you to Arlo, his sister Analita, and his parents Bronte and Romi for sharing their journey and providing incredible support this year.

Aru is six years old and a bundle of joy and happiness, thanks to a life-saving heart transplant. She is now receiving treatment for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) for the third time after her most recent relapse late last year.

Throughout her young life, Aru has had a long journey with the RCH, with help along the way from many specialists and departments. As her parents say, “without the RCH our little warrior wouldn’t have been with us today”.

Thank you to Aru and her parents Smital and Kiran for their wonderful contribution to the Good Friday Appeal in 2023.

YOUR IMPACT

RESEARCH

Investing in research teams who push the boundaries of paediatric medicine, and seek treatments and cures for diseases that threaten the lives of children across Australia and around the world.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

Funding progressive, state-of-the-art equipment and technology that helps the Hospital improve the quality of health care provided to patients.

PATIENT AND FAMILY CENTRED CARE

Donations help bridge the gap between government funding and the world class care the hospital provides to patients and their families.

LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Supporting the RCH team by fostering staff excellence through investment in academic leadership, education programs, scholarships and fellowships.

MELBOURNE CHILDREN’S CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY

This ambitious multi-year project aims to provide a uniform and evidence-based approach to mental health prevention, care and advocacy for all patients and their families across the Melbourne Children’s Campus, which includes the RCH, the MCRI and the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics.

We can see first hand how vital the prevention and support of mental health care for children and young people is through the impact on children like two year old Arlo, the Face of the Appeal for this year. Arlo was born with half a heart and by the time he was five months old, he had undergone six open-heart surgeries. After spending months in hospital, Arlo had developed terrible anxiety about staff. The Infant Mental Health Team, who are part of the hospital’s acute service, helped Arlo tackle his anxiety and this work has paid off as Arlo has come a long way, he has no anxiety and he is very confident when interacting with everyone

The Strategy is committed to ensuring that all children and their families can access high quality, equitable and consistent prevention, advocacy and mental health care where and when they need it - helping to sustain and optimise health and wellbeing outcomes for the community.

Each year you make a difference to the lives of sick children and their families by funding projects and supporting medical excellence at the RCH in the following areas:

CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH

Thanks to support from the Good Friday Appeal, researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) are helping to ensure a brighter future for children with cardiac conditions.

This research project examines the variation in blood pressure readings between a child’s arms and its effect on the child’s diagnosis. This study is the first of its kind worldwide to determine the extent and frequency of inter-arm blood pressure differences in children and adolescents. Preliminary results show that even a slight difference in blood pressure readings between arms could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.

“Children with high blood pressure, many of whom appear to be healthy, have a greater risk of developing hypertension in adulthood, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease,”

Associate Professor Jonathan Mynard, Bioengineer and Cardiovascular Researcher, MCRI.

UPGRADE OF RETCAM

Each day some of Victoria’s sickest babies and infants are admitted to the Butterfly Ward at the RCH, the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), with many teams from across the hospital coming together to provide specialist care. One of the teams caring for these babies is the Ophthalmology Department.

Through Good Friday Appeal support, RCH Ophthalmologists will have access to the latest equipment and technology, with the upgrade of a vital tool used in screening for eye disease in newborns, known as a RETCAM. The current system has been in use at the RCH since 2002 with almost 6,000 babies already directly benefiting from this sight-saving technology.

CHRONIC ILLNESS PEER SUPPORT (CHIPS)

The ChIPS program is a vibrant youth program that aims to improve the lives of young people aged 12-25 living with a chronic illness. This is achieved through developing peer networks, social skills and increasing abilities in illness self-management and general life skills. ChIPS has been a valuable part of the RCH for nearly 30 Years. Our Ambassador Carly Findlay has been a member and mentor of ChIPs.

Projects receiving ongoing support include:

- New Electrosurgical Units

- Garden Program Vision

- Wadja Aboriginal Family Place

- Integrated Primary Health Teleheath Trial

- RCH TV, Child Life Therapy and Comfort Kids

- Total Therapy Study for newly diagnosed ALL and lymphoma

- MCRI Research

- Allied Health and nursing outreach education

- Clinician Scientist Fellowships

Plus more, visit goodfridayappeal.com.au/your-impact/ for details.

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

The continued success of the Appeal is a fantastic testament to the unwavering support of our Principal Partners, the Herald Sun and Channel Seven.

Since 1931, HWT journalists have been telling stories of inspiration and courage and we are grateful to the Herald Sun, The Weekly Times and the Geelong Advertiser for their unwavering support and commitment to the Good Friday Appeal.

In 2023, the Herald Sun, The Geelong Advertiser, and The Weekly Times continued to share inspirational patient stories and impactful fundraising initiatives in print and in digital.

Herald Sun journalist, Sarah Booth and photographer, Mark Stewart, were embedded at the Hospital for 6 weeks to capture the real life experiences of patients and their families, and to share how funded projects by the Appeal over the years have been transforming lives.

The Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids, Victoria’s largest fun run, brings the community together and raised an incredible $1 million this year, contributing to the $21.6 million raised since its inception in 2006. Thanks also to the Herald Sun for sponsoring the performance stage at Kids Day Out this year, providing entertainment throughout the day.

In 2023, Channel Seven’s Telethon was destination viewing on Good Friday marking the 66th year of broadcasting the event and the 35th year of news anchor Peter Mitchell hosting the telethon. This year, the GFA were proud to announce both Peter and Rebecca Maddern as official Ambassadors of the Appeal.

From early morning on Sunrise to the afternoon telecast and the evening show, Channel Seven’s stars banded together to raise crucial funds and highlight the impact of the community’s support. Kochie and Nat and stars from Home and Away visited the RCH on the day, meeting some of the kids and their families.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Channel Seven including evening show host Larry Emdur who visited regional Victoria in the lead up to the Appeal, Emma Vosti and Mark Beretta on the Country Board, hosts Jane Bunn, Hamish McLachlan and Mike Amor and Paul Dowsley in the phone room, for their inspiring efforts. Thank you also to NEP studios for supporting the broadcast again this year.

MEDIA PARTNERS

3AW NEIL’S CRUISE FOR THE KIDS

3AW and Neil Mitchell supported the 2023 Good Friday Appeal by sharing stories in the lead up to and on the day. 3AW also broadcasted live from the Hospital on the morning of Good Friday, through the afternoon and then later from the phone room with Denis Walter.

For the sixth year, 3AW and Neil Mitchell held Neil’s Cruise For The Kids on the Yarra River, with 21 generous businesses jumping on board a Melbourne River Cruise to help raise funds for sick kids. ‘Cruise For The Kids’ raised $235,890 and thanks to this support RCH Surgeons will have access to the latest equipment through the upgrade of 19 electrosurgical units. Apart from 3AW who raised $35,084, Greyhound Racing Victoria was the highest fundraiser with $32,956. Neil Mitchell and 3AW have now raised over $1.75 million since 2018.

NOVA ENTERTAINMENT

Thanks to Nova and Smooth FM for promoting the Good Friday Appeal through on-air support of the Raffle, Teddy Bear Hospital, and Kids Day Out to their engaged audiences. Smooth FM also took part in Kids Day Out with a fun and exciting Smooth FM activity zone which had young attendees busy crafting and riding the Teacups and other activities.

QMS

Leading digital outdoor media company QMS joined as a media partner in 2023, marking the first time the Good Friday Appeal has used out of home to raise awareness of key fundraising initiatives and encourage donations. The partnership with QMS saw media support extend across its network of digital large format sites as well as digital screens at 7-Eleven convenience stores around Victoria.

ACE RADIO

A huge thank you to the ACE Radio network who supported the Good Friday Appeal by sharing the stories of local patients and some of our incredible fundraisers. ACE radio broadcast from the RCH on Appeal day with all nine FM and AM stations in the network sharing stories of regional patients and their experiences. Thank you to ACE Radio who has supported the Appeal since 1942.

FUNDRAISING PARTNERS

RCH AUXILIARIES

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to The Royal Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries who contributed a remarkable $1,398,899 to this year’s Good Friday Appeal. This incredible total represents another year of fundraising from the 60 Auxiliary groups, who work tirelessly all year round to support their mission of making sick kids better. From generation to generation, the Auxiliaries are a force to be reckoned with, congratulations to all Auxiliary members on this impressive total as they enter their second century of fundraising.

WOOLWORTHS

Since 1987, when 2,500 Good Friday Appeal tins were first distributed to Safeway stores across Victoria, $27,370,260 has been donated to The Royal Children’s Hospitals by the incredible Woolworths team and customers. This significant contribution has helped enabled ongoing support of programs that provide positive experiences to patients such as in-house TV shows and allow for the provision of play therapy and the development of techniques to minimise distress for all children and adolescents during their hospital stays. In 2023, Woolworths also began funding the two year Garden Vision expansion program which provides specially designed activities to distract, decrease stress and give relief from the hospital environment.

This year’s efforts resulted in an incredible $1,368,295. The year-round fundraising program includes Round Up at selfservice checkouts and token sales at registers in October and at Easter, AFL Premiership Poster sales in-store, and for the first time this year, participation in Run for the Kids. Woolworths also holds one of the most popular activities at Kids Day Out, the Fresh Fair. Smoothie Bikes and Mushroom and Strawberry harvesting kept our visitors having fun and enjoying incredible produce. For the second year in a row, Josh’s Rainbow Eggs sold a special chocolate speckled egg through Woolies with 50 cents from every egg donated to the Appeal.

CHARITY HOUSE

A total of $1,010,000 will go to improving the health prospects of young patients at the RCH after the Good Friday Appeal home was sold under the auctioneer’s hammer on Good Friday at Lara.

The auction was the highlight of a memorable day out for the local families, as well as Henley and Villawood staff, who enjoyed a street party spectacular complete with live entertainment, face-painting, kids rides, roaming dinosaurs, the Dulux Dog, sausage sizzle, coffee cart, food and ice cream trucks.

The 2023 auction marked Henley’s 31st year of building and donating houses to the Good Friday Appeal, raising more than $19.2M to date and 44 homes.

It is the 14th year of Villawood donating land, with $10.4M raised over the journey. It is also Villawood’s largest philanthropic effort, among more than 90 smaller community groups and initiatives the developer supports.

GOVERNMENT DONATIONS BOOST THE APPEAL

Announcing the federal government’s multi-million dollar commitment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the fundraiser as “such an important appeal”.

“The Australian government, I can announce, will be contributing $6 million over three years to the Good Friday Appeal. We know how important this work is. We want to provide support for the kids and their families out there.”

The Victorian Government contributed $1 million in their fourth year of backing. Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement while visiting the phone room and Kids Day Out.

“On a very personal level, not just as the leader of this state but as a parent and partner, I know and understand just how amazing our team is at The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Good Friday.

EVENT PARTNERS

MCEC

For almost a decade MCEC has been the proud home of the Good Friday Appeal, donating countless hours and millions of dollars in venue hire, technology, resources and catering to support the event. MCEC provides the invaluable space to house Kids Day Out which hosted over 102,500 visitors this year, the Phone Room, Money Counting Room and the all-important behind-the-scenes operations for the Good Friday Appeal. This combined with their team’s expertise, flexibility and professionalism makes them an exceptional host and partner.

“This was my first Good Friday Appeal, I was so pleased to be in amongst all the activity. It is so heart-warming to see the community gather and raise muchneeded funds for such an important cause.”

TELSTRA

Telstra’s continued support of the Good Friday Appeal was outstanding once again this year, providing exceptional technical and service with the phone room receiving 8,362 calls on the day, with a peak of over 1500 calls at 7:30 pm. Telstra’s support also extended to providing a prize for the Good Friday Appeal Raffle, and running a data analysis program with volunteers from Telstra Helix / Data 4 Good, enabling informed strategic decisions for the Appeal.

CITY OF MELBOURNE

We extend our sincere thanks to the City of Melbourne for their support and continued sponsorship of Kids Day Out. This event has become a beloved tradition for Families to attend on Good Friday and we are grateful to have the City’s support in making it a success year after year.

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Kids Day Out was a resounding success, raising over $450,000 on the day. With over 102,500 visitors, the event also plays a vital role in supporting the vibrancy of the city, as it brings in people who visit and spend time in the city.

Natalie O’Brien AM, MCEC Chief Executive

KIDS DAY OUT

KIDS DAY OUT

The turnout at our 2023 Kids Day Out event was truly remarkable as thousands of families came together to participate in the fun kid friendly activities. This year’s event was a huge success with over 102,500 visitors enjoying a range of exciting things to do, such as carnival rides (thanks to Action Events), the much loved Teddy Bear Hospital (supported by University of Melbourne and Visy), a Sporting Zone, Classic Cars, the Woolworths Fresh Fair, the Herald Sun KDO Stage and much more.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Melbourne for supporting the 2023 Kids Day Out and to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for hosting this wonderful event. We would also like to express our gratitude to all of the activity groups and sponsors who made this event possible, as well as everyone who attended and took part in the day to help raise funds and give back to our community.

Thank you to the Thunderbirds Owners Club of Australia who hosted the Classic Car show and this year raised $37,026, Lombards who for the past 5 years have provided spectacular styling for the event and our event managers MiNC Events who work tirelessly to deliver an amazing day.

TEDDY BEAR HOSPITAL

This year’s Teddy Bear Hospital was the largest and most successful one ever, covering two levels at the MCEC, with over 1,500 University of Melbourne medical students attending to 4,700 children and their teddy bears or soft toys.

With the support of Visy and the organising committee, over $83,000 was raised, another record for this fur-nominal event. Special thank you to Aviation Rescue for supporting with their beloved emergency bears once again and a huge thank you to the much loved BuildABear who returned to partner with the Teddy Bear Hospital in 2023 and donated the proceeds of 250 bears sold on the Day as well providing a great Raffle prize. Along with their Winter Check Up event held in August at Chadstone, the TBH raised over $112,000 for the 2023 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HERALD SUN / TRANSURBAN RUN FOR THE KIDS - $1M

Thousands of runners, walkers, friends and families have helped push the Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids to another amazing fundraising effort, posting another seven-figure tally for the Good Friday Appeal.

And that amazing total was boosted by a very generous direct donation from event partner Transurban, adding an extra $100,000 on the top of the amount raised across this year’s event. The overcast conditions were great for running and walking and the rain mainly stayed away as entrants made their way out of Docklands and over the Bolte Bridge or through the Domain Tunnel. The start/ finish line areas in the Docklands precinct were abuzz with friends, families, supporters and sponsors all happy to be back ‘pounding the pavement’ and raising much needed funds for the 2023 Royal Children’s HospitalGood Friday Appeal.

Well done to all and congratulations to Team Marilou who raised over $136k, and to the highest individual fundraiser Daniel Dalgleish who raised almost $7,500.

VICTORIA RACING CLUB

The GFA was fortunate to be the charity partner of two of VRC’s Autumn Carnival Race Days for the first time in 2023. Over $40,000 was raised through a Raffle with tickets being sold by our wonderful Volunteers as well as donations from racegoers and staff. Faces of the Appeal Arlo and Aru and their families also enjoyed a wonderful day at the Fareground, thanks to the VRC.

KIDS DAY OUT AND ABOUT

Thank you to the amazing businesses that supported our Kids Day Out and About program with venues across Melbourne donating a percentage of ticket sales on Good Friday to the cause. The LUME raised over $21,000, Melbourne Skydeck raised $11,415, Bluesfest $4,685 and Puffing Billy $7,098.

SUPER SPORTS STARS

KICK FOR THE KIDS SUPERCLASH

The 2023 Good Friday Superclash was bigger than ever this year as North Melbourne Football Club faced Carlton Football Club in a sold out game at Marvel Stadium.

The 2023 Good Friday Superclash was bigger than ever this year as North Melbourne Football Club faced Carlton Football Club in a sold out game at Marvel Stadium. Raising over $247,146 contributions came from ticket sales with $5 from every adult ticket sold and the generous NMFC partners and sponsors McDonald’s, Mazda, Puma, and Tasmanian Heritage. The remainder came from online donations, an auction of SuperClash guernseys, the Good Friday Eve Lunch and Raffle.

The money raised from this year’s match surpasses last year’s donation of $165,000 and brings the total donated to the Appeal since the inaugural Good Friday match in 2017 to over $1.47M. A highlight for the players this year was their visits to the RCH to meet patients and staff, to build a connection to the cause. Thanks also go to the AFL and Marvel Stadium for their continued support.

SUPPORT ACROSS THE CODES

Thank you to Melbourne Storm who played the Roosters on April 6 with fans given various opportunities to donate in the lead up to and during the game. The total raised was $45,000. Thanks to the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs Ice Hockey teams for raising $30,109 at their inaugural GFA exhibition match at O’Brien Icehouse. At Kids Day Out, Melbourne United Basketball, Tennis Victoria and Auskick all provided fun activities for kids to try, thank you.

RACING VICTORIA

RV are great supporters of the GFA through the All Star Mile and Country Racing Victoria. This year the All Star Mile was run at Moonee Valley and the second annual Good Friday Race day was run at Geelong Racing Club (GRC). With the very generous donation of $109,500 in 2023, the total contribution made to the Good Friday Appeal by Racing Victoria is more than $350,000 since 2019.

OUR SUPPORTERS

AMBASSADORS

The Appeal had the support of remarkable Ambassadors this year who played a crucial role in increasing awareness and donations.

The Appeal had the support of 11 remarkable Ambassadors this year who played a crucial role in increasing awareness and donations. Our 2023 Ambassadors included actress and singer Lucy Durack, Melbourne Football Club player Ben Brown, Mindfulness and High Performance Coach Emma Murray, lifestyle personality Jordan Ablett, Channel 7 Presenters Rebecca Maddern, Peter Mitchell and Emma Vosti, Writer and activist Carly Findlay and fitness trainer Sam Wood. We were also pleased to welcome young Ambassadors Hayden and Carlee Clements who have a personal connection to the RCH and supported the Appeal enthusiastically this year.

GOOD FRIENDS

In 2023, 36 Good Friends used their social media platforms, personal networks, and other creative channels to engage with the community and encourage donations.

CFA

CFA has been a proud major fundraising partner of the Good Friday Appeal for the past 72 years, raising more than $36M to help the hospital deliver world-class care for sick kids. In 2023, we welcomed new brigades from Langwarrin, Koo Wee Rup, Mt Martha, Mitta Valley, Bonnie Doon and Bunyip, and together with 200 other loyal Brigades, the CFA raised a record $1,606,287.

Across the day and the state, CFA volunteers were seen in trucks, door knocking and at traffic lights raising money in their local communities for the Appeal. Appearing on the evening Telethon, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presented the cheque of the total amount CFA contributed to The Royal Children’s Hospital alongside Hoppers Crossing members Paul DiMartino, Jodie Beckley, Subramanian Selvanathan and Sean McGregor.

“I want to thank and congratulate all participating brigades across Victoria for the fantastic contribution they have all made to this year’s Good Friday Appeal. All members and their communities should be proud of what they’ve achieved for this year’s Appeal, helping provide world-class care to sick kids.”

Jason Heffernan, Chief Officer, CFA

Thank you to the CFA, we truly appreciate your support of the Appeal and the community.

OUR SUPPORTERS

CADBURY

Cadbury has been supporting the Good Friday Appeal since 2001 through the generous donation of Easter Eggs to delight our volunteers and supporters, as well as contributing significant annual donations from various fundraising activities. This year Cadbury generously donated $100,000 to the Appeal which brings their total support to an incredible $1.9Million. In addition, Cadbury created the first ever accessible Easter Egg hunt using sound instead of sight for vision impaired children and its generous donation will assist the RCH Ophthalmology department to have access to the latest equipment and technology with the upgrade of RETCAM, a vital tool used in screening for eye disease in newborns.

DECJUBA FOUNDATION

The DECJUBA Foundation is proudly supporting the Good Friday Appeal over 5 years, helping to fund the Melbourne Children’s Campus Mental Health Strategy. The GFA was thrilled to receive a donation of $200,000 in 2023, Decjuba Foundation’s second year of support. This has been made possible thanks to DECJUBA customers and staff around the country getting behind the work being done by the DECJUBA Foundation.

HUNKY DORY

For ten years, the team at Hunky Dory has been fundraising in stores and donating proceeds to the Good Friday Appeal. For two weeks prior to Good Friday, Hunky Dory donated $1 from every potato cake ordered during the campaign to the Good Friday Appeal. This tasty fundraiser along with other in store activities raised an amazing $25,139.

RAFFLE

This year’s online raffle sold a record-breaking 96,900 tickets, raising $969,000 in ticket sales and a further $160,461 was added in donations from ticket buyers for a total of $1,129,461.

Thank you to Mazda for supporting the GFA raffle for over 10 years and for this year’s first prize of a BT-50, and thank you also to Majestic Caravans who have now donated over $1 million in caravans. We are very grateful to all our prize partners, TEMPUR for their Queen Bedroom Package, Telstra for their entertainment/tech package, Woolworths for 5 $1,000 Gift cards, Qatar Airways for European Business Class flights and to new raffle partners Inspiring Vacations for a Japan holiday Package and Kogan for the donation of 10 Smart Televisions.

A special thank you to our supporter Qatar Airways for donating $80,000 in addition to their support of the raffle.

COSTCO

Costco has been raising funds since 2010 through its 4 Melbourne warehouses and this year the team from the Ringwood and Moorabbin warehouse were proud to present a donation of over $30,000 to continue this generous tradition.

BAMBI MINI

Melbourne Mum Nicole Verrocchi and her husband Matt have been big supporters of the Good Friday Appeal in previous years, and this year Nicole collaborated with Brisbane artist Brook Gossen to launch two sets of exclusively designed socks for her baby wear brand, Bambi Mini Co. The gorgeous socks were sold through Chemist Warehouse with all proceeds donated to the GFA. Matt and Nicole’s son Raffi has been cared for by the RCH after he was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2020, and Raffi was involved in creating the sock range, as some of his favourite things were used in the design. This incredible initiative raised over $136,000!

OUR SUPPORTERS

COLLECTION GROUPS

There are 81 Collection Groups across metropolitan Melbourne who generously volunteer their time to support the Appeal. These groups tirelessly collect at intersections, conduct door knocks on Good Friday, and many have fundraised for decades such as the German Shepherd Dog Club for 40 years and 22 Engineer Regiment & friends who have been collecting for 35 years.

This year collection groups raised $692,906

UNCLE BOBS CLUB

Founded in 1942, the Uncle Bobs Club organises many fundraising initiatives to support the RCH. This year Uncle Bobs Club raised an outstanding $211,081, bringing their total in support of the Hospital to over $13.2 million. This was a fantastic effort by all involved. Thank you to all UBC branches and groups, volunteers, members and fundraising partners across Victoria who volunteered their time to raise this incredible amount.

PIED PIPERS

Pied Pipers is a small group, with a core membership of about 25, who manage a bigger group of Volunteers on Appeal Day tin rattling at intersections, hosting a stall at Kids Day Out and selling AFL premiership posters on Grand Final Day. Pied Pipers also partners with schools such as Yarra Valley Grammar, St Kevin’s College, and Loreto Mandeville Hall, to door knock on Appeal Day. This year the Pied Pipers raised a record $224,586 and have now raised over $8.6 million.

LITTLE ATHLETICS

Every year Little Athletics Centres participate in fundraising activities to contribute to an overall State donation. In 51 years, Little Athletics Victoria and its Centres have raised well over $1Million, this year raising $35,241. Thank you to over 30 Little Athletics Centres & Regions who held Relayathon fundraising days and other activities for the Appeal. Shown here is Melissa Perry and some little athletes from the Lake Bolac and District Centre, who was the highest fundraising centre in 2023.

SCHOOLS SUPPORT

Students of all ages form a huge part of the fundraising community for the Good Friday Appeal. From Early Learning Centres to Primary Schools and Secondary Schools and Colleges, thousands of children participate in a huge range of activities to fundraise for other kids being cared for by The Royal Children’s Hospital.

This year, over 230 schools contributed more than $367,877 to the Good Friday Appeal, allowing young people to experience the rewards of volunteering and fundraising by impacting the lives of other kids. Here are just a few highlights:

ICAN CHALLENGE

Almost 400 students from four Langwarrin schools took on the huge challenge of walking more than 50 km from St Kilda to Frankston over the course of one day. Thank you to students from Elisabeth Murdoch College, Woodlands Primary, Langwarrin Park Primary and Langwarrin Primary Schools for raising more than $225,643. The iCAN Challenge has been running every second year since 2014, raising more than $650,000 in that time.

HAILEYBURY COLLEGE

Three of Haileybury’s schools - City, Brighton and Newlandsparticipated in fundraising for the GFA in very different ways. Brighton’s Castlefield School held the annual Castfield Coin Trail with all houses competing to win with the longest line of coins, with all coins then donated, Newlands conducted a walkathon and City held a Raffle, resulting in a total donation of over $12,000 to the Appeal.

ST KILDA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Our little Ambassador Aru’s school also supported their star student with lots of fundraising activities raising $1,472 for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

ELSTERNWICK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Teachers and students got to wear their PJs to school on the last day of term to raise $3,432.90. Teachers Leanne and Georgia, and students Remi, Oliver and Archie appeared on the Telethon in those same PJ’s to present their cheque!

REGIONAL FUNDRAISING

AREA MANAGERS

In 2023, regional towns led by our Area Managers collectively raised $4,598,340. Congratulations to our new Area Manager in Condah, Carolyn, who helped the town to double last year’s total and raised $31,402, an incredible achievement from a town with a population of 108! We are so grateful to our Area Managers who generously lead and coordinate all fundraising activities in local areas, as well as the huge number of regional businesses and organisations, families and individuals who get involved across the state and beyond.

Here are just a few highlights:

TORQUAY

The Torquay Lions Club this year raised an incredible $41,975! Area Manager Peter McMahon said the club had already passed its original goal at 10am with $35,000 and had more than tripled last year’s figure by the end of the day. “Our local community is very generous, and support from Torquay’s businesses and many individual donations ensured we well exceeded our initial target of $20,000.”

Contributing to this total for Torquay was a wonderful event held by Emerald Tysoe and her team at All Aboard Disability Support Services. Emerald organised an Alice in Wonderland themed morning tea and market stall event that raised more than $1600.

INVERLEIGH

Jay and his Committee hosted Inverleigh’s first Family Fun Day since 2019, raising over $20K despite the rain. The event featured market stalls, rides, entertainment, a teddy bear hospital, a toy workshop, a CFA/SES display, and an Easter egg hunt with over 300 children.

MARNOO

Marnoo Cricket Club hosted an annual 20/20 cricket match on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Having a long tradition with donations to the RCH, going way back to the first ever fundraiser at the Bolangum Inn at Kanya, the community with a population of only 99 raised an amazing $50,000!

COROWA WAHGUNYAH

Congratulations to Karie, Ali & Lauren of Corowa Wahgunyah for their efforts in raising over $118,000! Many events and activities contributed to the total including an epic Battle of the Bridge, a charity golf day, barefoot bowls, an Easter event and raffle. A highlight was the Talbot family’s incredible Shear for the Kids sheep shearing event which raised over $21,000.

BARWON HEADS TIN SHED

The Tin Shed at Barwon Heads is celebrating their most successful Good Friday Appeal fundraiser yet, raising more than $81,150 to assist children and their families undertaking treatment at the RCH.

The Tin Shed event organisers said they were hopeful of eclipsing last year’s $61,465 total, however were blown away by the exceptional support of locals and businesses who donated gifts, cheques and their valuable time and effort towards the 2023 Appeal.

BOORHAMAN

Boorhaman may be one of Victoria’s smallest towns, but its residents have some of the biggest hearts. With a population of just 126, the people of tiny rural Boorhaman in the state’s northeast banded together to raise tens of thousands of dollars. The Good Friday Appeal holds a special place in fundraising committee member Katie Batchelor’s heart after her daughter, Charlee, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and treated at the RCH when she was just seven. This year they raised an amazing $38,246 for the Appeal.

DEVENISH, DOOKIE & DISTRICT

In another case of “small towns, big hearts”, the tiny farming communities of Devenish & Dookie with a population of just over 500 people, raised an amazing $120K - the second highest on the Regional Tally Board.

FUN- RAISING!

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

We thank our wonderful community of fundraisers for their commitment and creativity this year to support the Appeal. There are so many stories of inspiring efforts and we can only feature a small number here. Meet some of our youngest creative supporters:

SUPER SNAZZY SCRUNCHIES

Aged only 8 and 5, sisters Madi and Billie made hundreds of hand dyed scrunchies to fundraise. They sold the scrunchies at their school and donated the proceeds. Mum Nicole commented that she is so unbelievably proud of her daughters.

MAKE A BRACELET WITH ANNA

Anna raised $567 for the Appeal through bracelet making with beads and teaching others how to make bracelets or necklaces.

AVA A COLAC STAR

Colac’s Ava Schram, 11, was inspired by her brother Jack, a past patient of the hospital. Congratulations to Ava for raising $3,260 through her Community of Love and Charity line of hoodies and t-shirts.

BEE’S BRAVE CARDS

Bravery and an entrepreneurial spirit are in huge supply on the RCH cancer day ward. It is there that Novalie turned her battle of almost four years into a business empire. This April she ran an Easter Appeal where she made a pack of 2 Easter cards packaged with her Easter stickers. She also created Easter lunchbox jokes and gave 100% of sales to the Appeal.

WILDHEART EARRINGS

Isabella has spent the last year of her life travelling to and from the RCH for life-saving treatments. At 11 years old, she wanted to help other kids like her, so she started making adorable green and purple earrings to help raise funds for sick kids raising $697.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

ZOE PAULO

After falling ill with what she believed to be a headache, Zoe was admitted to The Royal Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with two diseases she had never heard of before. After spending many nights in different wards, she was eventually allowed to go home under strict conditions and put on medication. Crediting the hospital for her recovery, Zoe, who is in Year 12, fundraised with a colour run, an online auction, through her school and footy club raising more than $28,000 for the Good Friday Appeal

JAKOB’S DAY

Named in memory of 9-month-old baby Jakob, Jakob’s Day is a series of events raising money for the Good Friday Appeal. Now in its 17th year, Dad, Lou and Mum Anna, together with children Irena and Adam, extended family and a host of supporters and sponsors hoped to build on the $833,530 donated since its conception. The events included a social night on March 3 and a Golf Day on March 26 and raised an incredible $72,340.

MINI GOLF FOR MINI HEROES

Just days after their daughter’s life was saved Jarryd and Jaime Newall vowed to raise money for the hospital that saved her life. Less than a year later, the pair organised a 12 hour mini golf day hoping to raise $1000 for every day their daughter Millie was at The Royal Childrens Hospital. They raised a not so mini $32,649!

KRUZE FOR KIDS

Alan and wife Vera, have continued to raise money for the RCH, through Kruze 4 Kids which was founded by their son Bradley. Through an afternoon tea, dinner and auction and a car show and family day throughout the year, this family and their supporters raised $28,500 this year, taking their total tally to $137,331.

OUR WHY

CELESTE’S STORY

Celeste and her parents were leading their usual life until one day she started coughing persistently. Her mother, Rachael, took her to the doctor to check for glandular fever, but they discovered a tightness in Celeste’s stomach, and an ultrasound was ordered. It revealed a significant mass on her right kidney, and she was rushed to the emergency department of the RCH. Further tests confirmed that Celeste had Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer, and she began a four-week course of chemotherapy to prepare for surgery.

Ben, Celeste’s father, recalls how fast everything moved from diagnosis to surgery. Despite the shock and fear, Celeste’s positivity helped to keep them going. She even celebrated her fifth birthday, which fell shortly after her diagnosis, with a fairy party. Celeste documented her experience in a newspaper article and talked about it openly.

On the day of her surgery, Celeste remained upbeat and even played the ukulele with Captain Starlight, climbing over the waiting room couches. She listed the three foods she couldn’t wait to eat afterward: cookies, chocolate, and chocolate cookies. Her mother, Rachael, had them well stocked. However, when they were called into pre-op, the reality of the situation hit Celeste, and

she cried in her mother’s arms.

But help is always available at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and a child life therapist appeared at Celeste’s bedside, making her laugh with a toy egg that popped out a green baby dinosaur when squeezed between her fingers. Ben promised his daughter that everything would be fine and whispered, “I love you, I’ll see you soon.” Rachael held Celeste’s hand as she was wheeled away for anesthesia, while Ben stayed back in the hospital bay with his daughter’s bag of toys.

In the theatre, the Paediatric Surgery department director, Michael Nightingale, and his team were ready to remove Celeste’s kidney and the tumour. Dr. Nightingale said the chemotherapy Celeste underwent would make the tumour easier to remove. Eventually, he stepped away from Celeste, removed his gloves, and reached for the phone to inform her parents that the surgery had gone well.

Dr. Nightingale said that while he was the one who made the call, it was a “team effort” to save Celeste. Celeste’s resilience and positivity throughout the whole ordeal have been a testament to her strength and courage. Her parents are proud of her, and they know that she will continue to shine brightly in whatever she chooses to do in life.

KAIAH’S STORY

The smiling toddler stands in a park at The Royal Children’s Hospital bobbing her head to the rock music she always asks her parents to play.

It’s a simple sight, but it means everything to parents Chantelle and Denis, who were told their dance-loving child had a condition so rare she was the only one in Australia, and so complex she would never walk or talk.

But here is 20-month-old Kaiah, laughing as she stands on her own two feet and signs to her parents outside the hospital that saved her life.

Even before Kaiah was born her parents knew she had a battle ahead.

Chantelle said after her waters broke at 17 weeks it was “touch and go” until Kaiah was delivered at 36 weeks, with doctors warning her daughter’s airways may not be strong enough to survive her birth and the “intense” surgery ahead.

Kaiah is one of about 60 known children worldwide born with a syndrome that causes breathing and feeding issues called cerebrocostomandibular syndrome.

Ms Colafella said Kaiah had a small jaw that would never grow – she faces up to 10 repeat surgeries to adjust it as

she gets older. Her rib cage is missing ribs, while those she does have are “in pieces”.

“We came over here (to the RCH) when she was six days old and we were in for three months,” she said.

But thanks to an incredible team of workers – from doctors and nurses to the physiotherapist who convinced Chantelle it was OK to hold Kaiah – their daughter is now “flourishing” at home, with her parents trained to care for her tracheostomy.

She said they “couldn’t be prouder of this kid” who communicates via “baby sign language” known as “quick sign” as the tracheostomy required to help her breathe prevents her from speaking.

“We didn’t think we’d get here but here we are,” Chantelle said. “She’s holding my hand and walking and doing everything they said she wouldn’t do.”

When asked what the hospital and Good Friday Appeal meant to their family, she couldn’t hide the tears.

“We’re just so grateful and humbled,” she said.

“Those ventilators are so expensive … and we got sent home with two. If it wasn’t for the hospital, she wouldn’t be here. End of story.”

THANK YOU

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Note: all figures correct at time of printing, May 2023.

Thank you to Herald Sun photographer Mark Stewart for some of the professional photographs used in this report.