In CFA’s 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, an ambitious goal to raise more than $2 million for the first time was set and delivered, raising an incredible $2,150,000. This milestone brings the partnership’s lifetime fundraising total to more than $43 million for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Across Victoria, 225 brigades took part on Good Friday, with more than a thousand CFA volunteers taking to the streets on foot and by fire truck, rattling tins and collecting donations in their communities. Their presence remains one of the most visible and enduring traditions of the Appeal, connecting directly with Victorians in towns and suburbs across the state.

Once again, CFA volunteers were out in force on Good Friday both on their fire trucks and on foot, making their way around local streets rattling tins all morning to raise vital funds in their communities for a much-loved and well-respected cause.

The milestone year reflects CFA’s deep and ongoing commitment to community service. From early morning collections through to local engagement across the day, brigades played a vital role in bringing the Appeal to life at a grassroots level. Even in communities impacted by bushfires earlier in the year, volunteers showed up to give back – a powerful testament to the resilience and generosity that defines the CFA.

Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM presented the new customised cheque for the momentous year with the total amount CFA contributed to The Royal Children’s Hospital alongside Gisborne Fire Brigade members Mark Carter and Sandra Barotta on Friday night.

“As an organisation, we are incredibly proud our CFA members’ efforts each year who lend their time to fundraise alongside the Victorian community for such a worthwhile cause,” Alen said.

“Thank you to all participating brigades across Victoria for your contribution to this year’s Appeal and for the work you do in your local towns not only to protect them but to also help save young lives.

“Many of our members have required the services of the RCH, and it is an absolute privilege to be a part of raising such important funds and to see direct results of that fundraising that the brigades do put toward technology and research to help our Victorian children.”

As one of the first brigades to fundraise over seven decades ago, Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson joined the festivities in the phone room on Friday night to mark the occasion and present the cheque.

Earlier in the day the brigade’s 1926 Ford Model T truck was also on display at Kids Day Out, having travelled all the way from Donald, stopping in Bridgewater and Gisborne along the way to collect donations, just like they did back in the 1950’s.

“We had such a terrific day engaging with the community, they were incredibly generous along the way, and many had to look twice at us on the road!” Dale said. 

“We stopped by the old Herald Sun building to recreate a historical photograph from over 70 years ago, and we even had two women present who were in the original photo as kids. It was very special.”

Viewers at home took a trip down memory lane through a collection of photos and videos showcasing CFA volunteers out in their synonymous yellows interacting with communities.

While, a 3D balloon fire truck was a hit with the kids during the day and those in the phone room at night, as was a special visit from Eynesbury Fire Brigade members to the Royal Children’s Hospital on their way to the counting room.

The money raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care. 

CFA’s contribution extends beyond fundraising alone. Brigades are woven throughout the Appeal, forming a Guard of Honour to welcome the Faces of the Appeal at launch, supporting activations at Kids Day Out, and delivering the final cheque at the Evening Telethon – this year complete with a balloon fire truck.

As one of the Appeal’s earliest and most enduring supporters, CFA’s long-standing partnership remains a powerful example of community spirit in action – bringing together volunteers and communities across Victoria each year to support sick children and their families.

Read about our 2026 Face of the Appeal Ollie’s visit to Diamond Creek CFA