Geelong and Surf Coast locals are again being urged to dig deep where they can, with Victorians coming together to mark the 95th Good Friday Appeal.
Barwon Health’s Women’s and Children’s Directorate clinical director Dr Dave Fuller said funding will continue to support the local healthcare provider this year.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to be recipients over the last two years, and again this next financial year,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to be able to be on the receiving end of the Good Friday Appeal and to use it towards projects that we may not be able to do otherwise.”
Care for kids is a key focus for Barwon Health, as construction continues on the Barwon Women’s and Children’s, set for completion in 2029.
The new hospital has received $514 million from the state government, but Dr Fuller said that can only go so far on a major project like this.
“There’s obviously limits to what you can do with that, as much as that is, so this year for the first time there’s actually funding from the Good Friday Appeal going towards adding additional resources into the Barwon Women’s and Children’s,” he said.
Once completed, the hospital will help local children access quality care closer to home.
“For a number of years, we’ve been providing paediatric intensive care beds at Barwon Health and I know from speaking to families who’ve utilised that just how much difference it makes to be able to receive that care here,” Dr Fuller said.
“We know that transferring children has its own risks and can make them deteriorate further, so you don’t want to move people if you don’t really need to. It’s better care for the children, getting it closer to home, and it’s much better and much less disruptive for families.”
Dr Fuller said any and all donations are appreciated, noting the pressures facing families across the region.
“Obviously times are difficult and cost of living pressures continue to increase but, where you’re able, we really appreciate the support that all of our local community give to the Good Friday Appeal and the great news is that we’re getting some of that back for children of our region,” he said.
To donate, call the Good Friday Appeal phone room (open 9am-11:30pm) on 1300 APPEAL, or head to the Appeal’s website.
