Benalla CFA volunteers will once again be out and about on Good Friday, raising funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.
Benalla Fire Brigade members are getting ready for a big day on Good Friday, April 3 as it joins communities across the area to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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Locally, Benalla, Tatong, Devenish, Dookie, Glenrowan and Violet Town will all be digging deep – joining communities across Victoria.
Benalla CFA Captain Charlie Sexton said supporting the Good Friday Appeal was a highlight of the year for volunteers.
“Benalla Fire Brigade will be supporting the Good Friday Appeal once again, under the leadership of Ron Schultz, who has been doing this for over 40 years,” Mr Sexton said.
“We’ve got our neighbouring brigades and SES coming in to help as well.”
The Vinny's Day Good Friday Appeal fundraiser returns this year, after a very successful 2025 event.
Volunteers will be on the corner of Bridge St East and Nunn St on Thursday, April 2 and on the morning of April 3, tin-rattling.
And this year, you can make a digital payment as well, with a QR code that can be scanned instead of, or as well as, dropping some coins into the tin,
“And our brigade, along with those other brigades and SES, will be doing our best to drive down every street in Benalla to sound our sirens and make a bit of noise,” Mr Sexton said.
“We don’t have time to knock on every door, so when people hear the siren, we hope they can come out and donate.”
The Symes family will also be hosting their Team Vinny fundraiser, in memory of Vinny Symes.
That is also taking place on Good Friday from 10am-noon at 33 Cecil St.
On the day there will be slices, lollies, snacks, drinks, snow cones, sausages, face painting and raffles.
Attendees are asked to help themselves and donate what they can.
After raising more than $10,000 in 2025 the family is aiming to beat that this year.
Benalla CFA’s Steve Phillips and Charlie Sexton collecting for the 2025 Good Friday Appeal.
Mr Sexton said people are also welcome to visit Benalla Fire Station on Good Friday to drop off a donation in person.
He said there are also a number of stores across town with collection tins.
“They can also visit the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal online and donate directly,” Mr Sexton said.
“The community can also participate in collections on the day.”
Just come down to the fire station at 8.30am, you’ll get a briefing and be put them into a group to walk alongside the fire engine and help with the collection.
Mr Sexton said he wasn’t surprised at how much support Benalla and District gives to the Good Friday Appeal each year.
“A number of our people in the brigade, including myself, have visited the Royal Children's Hospital,” he said.
“The professionalism and the service they provide, for children, is world-class.”
This year the Good Friday Appeal and The Royal Children’s Hospital will allocate $3 million in funding to more than 30 regional health services, to ensure every child receives the best possible healthcare, no matter what their postcode is.
As the Good Friday Appeal marks 95 years of community support, sick children and their families in regional Victoria will continue to access world-class care closer to home, thanks to the generosity of Victorians.
This investment will support critical projects such as upgrading lifesaving equipment, offering additional training, and providing scholarships for healthcare professionals.
Penny Fowler AM, chair of the Good Friday Appeal, said more than $8.5 million in funding has been allocated to regional Victoria over three years, highlighting the Good Friday Appeal and The Royal Children’s Hospital’s commitment to every child.
“ For 95 years, the Good Friday Appeal has raised money to support sick kids and their families,” Ms Fowler said.
“Every dollar donated provides life-saving care at The Royal Children’s Hospital and this funding will further enhance regional capacity, support essential projects to improve patient care, and provide regional hospitals with crucial resources.
“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”
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