Archer Murphy was out and about helping raise money.
The Rochester Fire Brigade was out in force over the Easter weekend, raising more than $8000 for the Good Friday Appeal, adding to the town’s overall amount of $12,247.32.
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Starting at 9am on Good Friday, brigade members and volunteers fanned out across town, door-knocking and collecting about $7200 in donations.
Fundraising continued the following Saturday, with the brigade’s juniors hosting a cake stall for the first time this year.
The juniors’ cake stall was a hit on the day.
The stall was a hit, selling out between 9am and noon and raising an impressive $1086.15.
Rochester's cutest Good Friday Appeal supporter, Oliver Warren.
Rochester area appeal co-ordinator Heidi Warren said the community’s response was especially heartening given the challenging times.
Rochester’s contributions were part of a regional and rural Victoria total of $5,929,934.
Across the region, Echuca-Moama and Bendigo were among the top 10 contributors, with Echuca-Moama raising $134,989.33 and Bendigo contributing $107,469.94.
Statewide, the 2026 Good Friday Appeal collected a massive $25,268,485 in donations.
Brett and Remi Kyne were two of many volunteers on the day.
Chair of the Good Friday Appeal Penny Fowler said regional communities had continued to unite and give to sick children.
“Giving for the kids is at the heart of the Good Friday Appeal and the incredible generosity of regional Victoria continues to shine,” she said.
“From small towns to larger regional centres, communities have united to make a meaningful difference for sick children and their families.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s remarkable result.”
Around the region, people in other towns dug deep, with Colbinabbin raising $3926.59, Elmore $6186.32 and Lockington $5226.16.