The 2025 Good Friday Appeal has shattered previous fundraising records, raising an astonishing $23,822,792 to support The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. The generous contributions of Victorians and people across the nation helped the telethon surpass expectations and make a significant impact on children’s healthcare. The event aired live on Channel 7 and was streamed on 7plus, captivating audiences nationwide.
The Good Friday Appeal 2025 telethon has raised funds that will provide world-class care, cutting-edge medical equipment, and invaluable research resources for The Royal Children’s Hospital. The hospital, renowned as one of the world’s leading paediatric medical centres, will use the funds to continue its vital work in advancing child healthcare. This year’s donation total also included $3 million allocated to support 41 regional health services across Victoria. The ongoing support for these regional services ensures that children outside the metropolitan area receive the same quality of care.
The telethon’s success wasn’t just thanks to the generosity of donors—it also featured a star-studded line-up of entertainment. Hosted by Larry Emdur, with co-hosts including Seven News’ Peter Mitchell, Rebecca Maddern, and Jane Bunn, the event was a night of inspiring performances, celebrity appearances, and heartwarming moments. The program featured a variety of acts, including performances by Australian country singer-songwriter Lane Pittman, Broadway star Eddie Perfect, and rising star Marshall Hamburger. Other highlights included an appearance by the talented violinist Evangeline Victoria, performances from the cast of Beetlejuice The Musical, and a high-energy stunt from Nitro Circus. The event also included a thrilling surprise segment of What’s In The Box, adding a fun twist to the evening’s entertainment.
The Good Friday Appeal, which celebrated its 68th year of broadcasting on Channel 7, is a vital part of Melbourne’s fundraising calendar. The funds raised have enabled The Royal Children’s Hospital to continue to be at the forefront of paediatric care. Peter Charles, Seven’s Victorian Managing Director and Sales Director, spoke about the pride the network feels in supporting this cause. “The Seven Network is incredibly proud to support the Good Friday Appeal,” Charles said. “It’s humbling to see the overwhelming support from the community, volunteers, and businesses who have contributed to this incredible achievement.” He added, “The Royal Children’s Hospital offers world-class care to sick children, and it is inspiring to witness such generosity.”
Telstra marked its 80th year of supporting the Good Friday Appeal by providing the technological infrastructure that made the telethon possible. Telstra’s contribution facilitated smooth operations behind the scenes, enabling the telethon to receive donations via phone and online platforms. Throughout the telethon, volunteers manned the phone lines, answering calls and processing donations. Telstra’s technology has played a critical role in ensuring the telethon’s success year after year, with over $469 million raised through its assistance over the years. John Ieraci, Telstra’s Head of Enterprise Technology Services, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the appeal. “Supporting the Good Friday Appeal is a true highlight for our team each year,” Ieraci said. “Our goal is to ensure that every call or click results in a donation, and we work tirelessly to improve the donation process.”
Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, acknowledged the vital role Telstra and other supporters play in the success of the event. “The Good Friday Appeal is not just a fundraiser, but an iconic tradition that unites the community,” Cowan said. She stressed that, while online donations have surged, the phone lines continue to play a crucial role for many donors. “It’s a powerful reminder that the phone room remains a vital and inclusive way for people from all walks of life to contribute,” she added. The ongoing support from businesses, volunteers, and the general public ensures the appeal will continue to be a beacon of hope for sick children and their families.
Although the live telethon has concluded, donations for the Good Friday Appeal 2025 are still being accepted online. Those wishing to contribute can visit the official website at goodfridayappeal.com.au/donate. The funds will go directly to The Royal Children’s Hospital, enabling it to continue its life-saving work. As the Good Friday Appeal 2025 wraps up, it is clear that the generosity of Victorians and Australians continues to make a real difference. With a record-breaking total of over $23 million raised, the appeal has exceeded expectations and once again proven the power of community spirit in supporting vital healthcare.
The Good Friday Appeal 2025 has been a resounding success, raising an unprecedented amount for The Royal Children’s Hospital. This year’s record-breaking total is a testament to the dedication of the community, the generosity of donors, and the tireless efforts of volunteers and partners like Telstra. As Melbourne and the rest of the nation continue to show their support, the future of paediatric healthcare at RCH looks brighter than ever. With donations still open, it’s clear that the Good Friday Appeal remains a vital event for both Melbourne and the broader Australian community. The continued success of the appeal ensures that sick children and their families will always have access to the best care possible.
