In a major milestone for regional health, the Good Friday Appeal has announced how a record $3 million funding is being invested into 41 regional health services across Victoria and southern NSW, delivering urgently needed paediatric care improvements to children and
families in rural and
remote areas.
Members of the Good Friday Appeal team will be visiting several towns to acknowledge and thank those who have supported the cause, whether through direct contribution or championing the cause.
East Gippsland’s event will be held at the Central Hotel on Wednesday, August 6, from 6pm.
Light refreshments will be provided, as each event presents an opportunity to connect with fellow community members who have played a vital role in the success of this year’s appeal.
For the second consecutive year, the regional funding marks a powerful shift towards creating an integrated paediatric network, where families can access quality care close to home. With 35 of the 41 services receiving support for the first time, the funding will have a lasting impact across regional communities, improving care for newborns, children, and young people from the ground up.
“This investment reflects our deep commitment to regional families,” Rebecca Cowan, executive director of Good Friday Appeal, said.
“The Royal Children’s Hospital will always be there for the most complex cases, but with this funding, we’re helping ensure that more children can access the care they need, closer to home. It’s a testament to the incredible generosity
of Victorians.”
From resuscitation equipment and neonatal cots to upgraded therapy spaces and specialist workforce training, the funding will help rural hospitals deliver faster, safer, and more connected care to thousands of children – many of whom would otherwise need to travel to Melbourne for treatment.
Gippsland ($600,000): The funding will expand telehealth and critical care infrastructure, while enhancing neonatal response and facilities in smaller, remote hospitals.
Health services across Bairnsdale, Latrobe, South Gippsland, Wellington, East Gippsland, and Baw Baw will receive new neonatal equipment, paediatric upgrades, and advanced staff training.
“This funding will be used to significantly enhance the safety and quality of Neonatal-newborn care at our facility which, will have a profound impact on our ability to deliver best practice care for our neonatal service, particularly in the critical period prior to any transfer to higher level specialist care.
“With this funding, BRHS will procure vital equipment and training that significantly strengthens our response to neonatal emergencies,” Peter Abraham, chief executive officer of Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, said.
