The 95th Good Friday Appeal will be held on Friday, 3 April 2026, across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
This iconic fundraising day supports The Royal Children’s Hospital and has raised more than $440 million since 1931. In 2026, the goal is not just to raise funds—but to involve every Victorian in a cause that saves lives.
Contents
- 1 When is the Good Friday Appeal in 2026?
- 2 Getting There: Public Transport, Parking & Accessibility
- 3 What Other Fundraising Events Are Happening in Victoria?
- 4 Will There Be a Telethon in 2026?
- 5 How Are Donations Used?
- 6 How to Get Involved in the Good Friday Appeal 2026
- 7 Good Friday Appeal: History, Fun Facts and Milestones
- 8 Real-Time Updates and Live Totals
When is the Good Friday Appeal in 2026?
The 2026 Good Friday Appeal takes place on Friday, 3 April 2026.
Held every year on Good Friday, this event unites families, volunteers, schools, sports clubs and businesses in raising vital funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Getting There: Public Transport, Parking & Accessibility
MCEC is well-connected and accessible for all families.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Train | Southern Cross Station, 10-minute walk via Spencer St bridge |
| Tram | Routes 96, 109, and 12 stop at Clarendon St or Casino/MCEC |
| Parking | Wilson Parking under MCEC (entry via Normanby Rd) |
| Accessibility | Pram- and wheelchair-friendly venue, accessible toilets available |
What Other Fundraising Events Are Happening in Victoria?
Several major events run alongside the main appeal:
- AFL Good Friday SuperClash – Watch North Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs, with matchday fundraising
- Reh Cork Club Family Fun Day (Traralgon) – CFA displays, rides, food stalls, and live music
- Harness Racing Victoria Appeal Meet – Racing + community stalls supporting the RCH
New in 2026: Pop-up donation hubs in regional towns, supported by Woolworths and Bunnings.
Will There Be a Telethon in 2026?
Yes, the Good Friday Appeal telethon airs all day on Channel Seven.
It features emotional stories from patients and families, musical performances, hospital tours, and live donation updates. In 2025, the telethon helped raise $23,061,320—a record-breaking result.
How Are Donations Used?
Funds from the Appeal support:
- Cutting-edge medical equipment (like MRI-guided surgery tools)
- Life-saving research and innovation programs
- Patient and family support services
- Specialist training for paediatric staff
🔍 Case Example: In 2025, donations helped fund a new paediatric ICU bed wing that expanded emergency capacity by 20%.
How to Get Involved in the Good Friday Appeal 2026
You can support the Good Friday Appeal 2026 by donating directly through goodfridayappeal.com.au. Individuals, families, schools, or businesses can start their own fundraisers using the platform’s official tools.
Volunteer opportunities will be available for events like Kids Day Out and local community activities, with registrations opening in early 2026.
To help amplify the message, supporters can also use the hashtag #GoodFridayAppeal across social media platforms and inspire others to get involved.
Listed below are the ways to donate, fundraise, or volunteer for the Good Friday Appeal 2026.
- Donate online at goodfridayappeal.com.au
- Start a fundraiser as a family, business, or club using their online tools
- Volunteer at Kids Day Out or local events. Sign-up opens in early 2026
- Use #GoodFridayAppeal on social media to spread the word
✨ Did you know? Some businesses like Channel 7 and NAB match employee donations dollar-for-dollar.
Good Friday Appeal: History, Fun Facts and Milestones
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1931 |
| Lifetime Funds Raised | $440 million+ |
| Record Year | 2023 – $23 million raised |
| First TV Broadcast | 1957 |
| Iconic Venue | The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville |
| Most Common Donors | Families donating under $100 each—proof that small adds up big |
Real-Time Updates and Live Totals
For real-time updates and live totals, you can track the 2026 donation total live during the telethon at goodfridayappeal.com.au/live.
FAQs About the 2026 Good Friday Appeal
Is Kids Day Out free?
Yes, entry is free. Activities like rides and show bags may require a small fee, but all proceeds go to the appeal.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted inside MCEC.
Can I set up a fundraiser if I’m outside Melbourne?
Absolutely. You can run an event anywhere in Victoria—or online—using their official registration platform.
What time does the telethon start?
The Seven Network broadcast typically begins around 9:00 AM AEST and runs through the evening.
Kids Day Out Melbourne 2026
One of the biggest highlights of the Good Friday Appeal is Kids Day Out – a free, family-focused event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Designed for children of all ages, it features live entertainment, carnival rides, interactive zones, and creative activities, all while raising funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Our Kids Day Out 2026 guide contains the full schedule, activity list, and planning tips.
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