As the sun rises on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the community of Bacchus Marsh comes together to support a noble cause—the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. The Lions Club of Bacchus Marsh, a dedicated group of local volunteers, is leading the charge, calling on residents to dig deep and contribute to this vital fundraising effort.
Lion David Atterbury, who has been volunteering as the Good Friday Appeal area coordinator for 12 years, shared his personal connection to the cause. “They saved my son’s life, many, many years ago,” he said. “So it’s my way to pay back to Australia for everything they’ve done for me since we came here.” Atterbury’s commitment is echoed by fellow Lions, including Gerry Monaghan, who emphasized the club’s year-round dedication to supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.
In preparation for today’s appeal, Lions members have been busy visiting 30 to 40 local businesses to collect full donation tins. They have also engaged in tin rattling outside shops and shopping centers, raising awareness and funds. “Everybody available is invited to come to the Bacchus Marsh Fire Station on Main Street after 9am on Good Friday, and we will find them somewhere to shake a can,” Atterbury announced, encouraging community participation.
The Lions Club has set an ambitious goal this year: to surpass the $47,000 raised during last year’s appeal. To facilitate donations, collectors will be equipped with QR codes, allowing those without cash to contribute easily. For more information, interested individuals can contact 0439 324 494.
Meanwhile, the AFL Umpires Association has also made a significant contribution to the Good Friday Appeal, donating $8,250 this year through the Jeff Crouch Foundation. This foundation honors the legacy of former AFL Field Umpire Jeff Crouch, who dedicated over 20 years to the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal. Crouch, who umpired 186 VFL games, including five Grand Finals, left a lasting impact on the community and the AFL.
This year, the Umpires Association organized a Charity Golf Day at Green Acres Golf Club, where around 50 golfers gathered to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal. The event raised a total of $14,000, with AFL field umpires Mat Nicholls, Alex Whetton, and Andre Gianfagna participating. The day included heartfelt stories from families impacted by the hospital’s care, including Leigh Jarvis, whose daughter Kiani battled leukemia, and Daniel Payne, CEO of Down Syndrome Victoria, who spoke about the hospital’s vital support for his daughter Holly.
The Good Friday Appeal, supported by the Herald Sun and Channel 7, has raised an extraordinary $468 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital since its inception. Last year alone, the appeal generated $23 million, which significantly contributes to vital programs, research, and equipment at the hospital.
As part of the appeal, the Carlton Football Club is also making a difference. The Carlton Cheersquad is hosting a raffle with a team-signed Guernsey as the grand prize. Fans can purchase tickets for $10 for 10 tickets, $20 for 50 tickets, or $50 for 200 tickets. The raffle will be drawn post-game today, with the winner announced via the Cheersquad’s social media accounts. A post on their Instagram highlighted the significance of the Good Friday Appeal, stating, “We see the best of Victoria on display for a very good cause.”
This year’s appeal is particularly poignant, as it showcases the resilience of young patients like Charlie, Ava, and Lucas, who have faced daunting health challenges. Charlie, a 2-year-old, recently rang the bell at the Royal Children’s Hospital to signify the end of his cancer treatment for Wilms tumor. His mother, Paige, recounted the emotional journey they endured, saying, “When you first get that diagnosis, it feels like the end will never come. It feels so far away.”
Ava, also 2, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer affecting both her eyes. After undergoing intense chemotherapy and surgery to remove her right eye, Ava continues her battle, returning for more treatment. Her mother, Jessica, expressed the struggles they face, saying, “It’s been a really stubborn cancer to kill.”
Lucas, 5, has been treated for Burkitt lymphoma, undergoing four months of intensive treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital. His father, Le, praised the hospital’s care, stating, “It’s an unlucky event, and it’s been unlucky for Lucas, but in other ways, we are very lucky because (the diagnosis) happened here, at the RCH.”
At the heart of this appeal is the dedication of healthcare professionals like Professor Warwick Teague, a consultant pediatric surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital. He plays a crucial role in the treatment of children with complex health issues. Recently, he performed surgeries on patients like Alfie, who was born with a rare birth defect affecting his esophagus, and Parker, who faced life-threatening complications.
Professor Teague’s commitment to his patients and their families is evident in the care he provides. “Eating is always going to be a challenge for Alfie,” his mother Karen said, expressing gratitude for the support they have received. “Everybody here is warm and inclusive, and we feel listened to.”
As the Good Friday Appeal unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the impact of collective generosity. Whether through local efforts in Bacchus Marsh, contributions from the AFL Umpires, or the heartfelt stories of families, every donation counts. The appeal not only supports the Royal Children’s Hospital but also uplifts the spirits of countless children and families facing health challenges.
As Victorians come together to support this noble cause, the message is clear: every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of children in need.
