General News
9 April, 2026
Hopetoun celebrates 70 years with record collection
Hopetoun has marked 70 years of Good Friday Appeal fundraising with a record $6232 tally, in a milestone year that highlighted the town’s long-standing commitment to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
The result helped drive the 2026 Good Friday Appeal to an extraordinary $25,268,485, as regional communities once again punched well above their weight for the cause.
Hopetoun Good Friday Appeal area manager Anne Pulham said the town had enjoyed one of its strongest campaigns yet, with support flowing in through collection tins at local businesses, roadside fundraising and volunteers out in force on Good Friday.
“It was a really good year,” she said.
Ms Pulham said the town expanded its fundraising efforts this year by adding roadside collections to its usual activities.
“We had the first year that we did roadside collection,” she said.
She said the public response was overwhelming, with strong support right across the community.
“Really good, it was amazing,” she said.
Two trucks went out collecting on the day, supported by about 20 volunteers, including children.
Ms Pulham said the result made 2026 the biggest year Hopetoun had seen.
“Easily the biggest year we’ve had, and it was our 70th year of Hopetoun collecting,” she said.
She thanked the community and volunteers for their generosity and commitment.
“Just massive thank you to everybody for helping us,” she said.
Ms Pulham also paid tribute to Olive, who had led the local appeal effort for many years and continues to help after handing over the baton.
Hopetoun’s result formed part of a powerful regional effort, with 229 towns across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales organising intersection collections, door knocks and local events.
The Good Friday Appeal thanked its 221 area managers, volunteers and partners, including the CFA, for bringing the annual fundraiser to life.
Across the regions, milestone communities continued proud fundraising legacies, with towns such as Donald celebrating 75 years, Morwell 65 years, and Jeparit 50 years.
In contrast, many smaller towns again proved that community spirit remains one of the Appeal’s greatest strengths.