Community
17 April, 2025
The most important cause
THE community has been urged to dig deep this week to raise much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital this week as part of the Good Friday Appeal.
In Mortlake this year Michelle Howat will be taking over as Good Friday Appeal Mortlake area manager, after Wendy McKenzie stepped down following more than a decade in the role.
In recent years volunteer numbers in Mortlake have made it difficult for every street to be encompassed for collections, but businesses throughout the town are hosting collection tins at the checkout – all of which will be collected and added to Mortlake’s tally.
Among the participating businesses is the Mortlake Roadhouse.
Owner Dion Symons said he could not think of a better cause to support than the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“People are always so supportive – we’ve already emptied and refilled the collection bucket around 10 times,” he said.
“A lot happens here - we give a dollar from every piece of merchandise we sell, and that’s just what we do.
“This is something everyone gets behind – the businesses and shoppers – so hopefully we see a lot of money raised on the day.
“It’s the worthiest cause, in my opinion, of the year.”
Noorat and Terang will again this year receive a boost from the 1st Noorat Scouts, who’ll hit the streets to raise funds for the cause.
Scout leader and Good Friday Appeal Terang and Noorat area manager Rob Rowe said the scouts will be door-knocking tonight (Thursday, April 17) in Noorat from 5.30pm on the eve of Good Friday.
On Friday, the scouts themselves will be tasked with leading operations around Terang.
“From 8.30am we will coordinate out of the Terang Returned and Services League sub-branch hall, so we’re very thankful to them,” Mr Rowe said.
“Our door knockers will be out by 9am.
“This year will be led more by our adventurers so they’ll be assigning the tubs and doing the streets, which all goes towards their badge work.
“It all goes towards their special interest badge, which is Creating A Better World.”
The 1st Noorat Scouts took charge of the appeal last year, raising more than $11,000 for the cause.
Noorat Scout Amelia Rowe said she enjoyed the opportunity to support children who need it most.
“I definitely enjoyed it and getting to help people,” she said.
“It’s good knowing it all leads to something at the end of it, which is giving back to the children.”
Fellow Scout Jess MacDonald agreed, saying the generosity of the community was something she enjoyed getting to see.
“It’s really good to see the community get involved, helping out and giving money,” she said.
“Last year there was barely any houses which didn’t give anything – it was really good to see.”
Mr Rowe said the cause was an important one to regional communities due to how closely connected everyone is.
“We all know someone who has used the Royal Children’s Hospital,” he said.
“I think that’s why it’s such an important thing.
“There are times we knock on doors and speak to someone who had a grandchild use the Royal Children’s Hospital, or the Royal Children’s Hospital saved their son’s life.
“What you hear while collecting is actually really empowering.
“Some of the stories can really bring you to tears.”
Mr Rowe said anyone interested in volunteering around Terang was welcome to visit the Terang RSL Hall on Shadforth Street from 8.30am tomorrow (Friday, April 18) to lend a hand.
“We are on the lookout for collectors, so anyone who is available to come and collect is welcome to do so,” he said.
“Many hands make light work.
“By doing that, it means we can get back home to our families sooner to enjoy Easter together.”
Other areas, such as Laang and Garvoc, will be covered on Good Friday when Country Fire Authority volunteers hit the road in their tankers to cover as many homes and farms as they can.
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