Area manager Graeme Cooper said this “amazing” total was possible thanks to the fantastic work from the Ararat community throughout the year and co-ordinated by the Ararat Fire Brigade.

Volunteers and children who walked the streets shaking tins on Good Friday raised more than $8100 and volunteers collecting at both High Street and Barkly Street traffic lights on Good Friday raised $7600.

He also congratulated the Ararat Hotel staff and patrons for raising $8236.72, which made them the winner of Ararat Fire Brigade Pubs and Clubs perpetual trophy for the highest amount raised. Second place went to the Ararat RSL raising $1453.40 and Aradale Golf Club were placed third raising $1413. 

Mr Cooper also congratulated his niece Rahni Cooper who, with the help of family and friends, raised $4000 through different fundraising events leading up to the appeal. Rahni embarked on her fundraising efforts after undergoing lifesaving heart surgery at the children’s hospital in December last year.

“A special thank you goes to Mickey (Murray Woods) and Goofey (Michael Egan) raising $1284.65 on their Good Friday collection throughout the district. This year saw Easter Bunny & Friends join forces with Santa’s Place coordinated by Carl Forshaw seeing them raise $1997.50 through their fundraising events." 

He also thanked the major sponsors of goods and equipment for the running of the appeal, Ararat Rural City Council, Commonwealth Bank Ararat, Christian’s Bus Company, JR’s U Hire N Drive, Peaches Fruit Market, Bakers Delight, Bakers Brew, Waacks Bakery, Ralph Hire, and Lions Club Ararat. 

“Thank you to the Ararat SES Unit members and Moyston Fire Brigade for their assistance with the collection on Good Friday. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Ararat for supplying their facilities and assisting with the lunch service.

“I want to give a big thank you to all members of the Ararat Fire Brigade, Ararat Fire Brigade Auxiliary and the Ararat Fire Brigade Juniors and parents for working tirelessly to make the day a huge success.”

The winner of the Congratulations to the winners of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Ararat Fire Brigade raffle were: Ash Jerram (1st), Lois Webster (2nd), Kerry Hogg (3rd) and Lochie Bond (4th).