CFA blown away by community's charity

In doing so, the city powered through a significant historical milestone - $1 million.

Ararat CFA brigade captain Daniel Ramsdell said he was blown away by the charitability of the community.

"We raised just under $39,000 which is an amazing feat," Capt Ramsdell said.

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"We were blown away, to be honest. Overall we raised $38,917 including $33,880 from tin rattling.

"We had a collection point at the traffic lights, but most of the money came from the five teams driving the truck through town.

"We also had plenty of donations from the town's pubs and sporting clubs."

Capt Ramsdell thanked the endless number of volunteers who gave up part of their day to help raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital.

With the $1 million benchmark behind them, Capt Ramsdell said all eyes are on the next milestone.

"We've made it past a million dollars, so of course we're aiming for $2 million now," he said.

Meanwhile, the Stawell Fire Brigade has collected its largest donation in around 50 years after a record turnout in 2021.

Donations flooded in thanks to one extraordinary event and from residents and tourists in the region.

At the latest count, the Stawell Fire Brigade had collected $61,182.00, with some more still expected to roll in.

That total ranked Stawell ninth in the state for regional centres ahead of Warrnambool ($59,887) in tenth and Bendigo ($59,882) in eleventh.

Of that record amount, $35,225.95 was raised and donated by Jim and Karen Leithhead, who ran a Show and Shine day with their collection of Lincoln motorcars on Good Friday in Pomonal.

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