Good Friday success

Bundalong $2,837

Mulwala $8,731

Tungamah $23,323

Devenish $27,475

Dookie $34,525

Boorhaman $18,000

Good Friday was a resounding success across the state with the Good Friday Appeal breaking their previous tally, taking the new record to $18,175,467.

Across the region, a number of Good Friday events were also held, raising money for the Good Friday Appeal as well as local families in need, with the local events also a resounding success.  

Kobl Studios held a non-profit Good Friday Appeal event inspired by Yarrawonga local youngster Leni Ramsdale and all the children and families the appeal helps.  Kobl Studios owner Kayla Oughton said it was an amazing day with the salon packed throughout the whole day and a great day had by all.

“We had so many people come down for face painting and haircuts,” Kayla said.

“The salon was packed and we were supposed to finish at 12 (noon) but went to 1 o’clock because of the amount of people we had.

“For a gold coin donation people were able to eat as much of the morning tea we had available and it was also a great success.

“There was overwhelming support and we raised $2165 with the highlight being Ella Rhodes and Mia Doherty both cutting off their hair to raise money for the ‘hair with heart’ charity.” 

Bundalong Tavern also had a fantastic day with their money raised going towards local Bundalong family, the Burns to assist with Cove’s further treatment and to support the family after Cove’s near drowning experience which has left him with a brain injury and dystonia.

“The day was really good,” Bundalong Tavern owner Brett Butler said. 

“We had a lot of people turn up with 2500 people through the gate.

“The food trucks were very popular with people travelling to attend.

“We are looking to making the event even bigger and better next year with carnival rides as well.

“It was a fundraiser for Cove so all the money raised went to the Burns family.” 

Down the road at Tungamah the annual Tungamah Social Club fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital was held at the Tungamah Hotel.

“Friday was fabulous and a massive success, people flowed in and out all day from 10am,” Tungamah Social Club Secretary Monica Brewer said. 

“Well over 1000 people would have been there throughout the day. The yabby race was a hit with 11 yabbies being auctioned off to race bringing in over $700 just to race a yabby.  

“The Car Rally was thoroughly enjoyed by those who went on it and Baby Tyler O’Dwyer’s visit was no doubt the highlight as that is what the day was all about.

“We were so pleased to see many out of towners come and join in with quite a few campers from the free camp site in Tungamah coming down for the day.  People from as far as Harvey Bay were there.

“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of people and to surpass last year’s total of $25,500 was amazing.  We are still finalising the final amount but we well and truly broke last year’s record as we have at this stage got $30 000.”

An estimated $9000 is expected to be raised in Mulwala for the Good Friday Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal when all donations promised have been received.

“It’s about average,” Captain Vin Slattery of Fire and Rescue NSW Mulwala told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

“It can vary. Like two years ago we had the house fire out Barooga Road and we could only cover a quarter of the town.”

Whilst it was pleasing to see a good number of children helping out again, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get overall numbers of collectors because of football and netball now being played on Good Friday according to Mr Slattery.

“It was a good turn up this year but there is a limited time you have collectors,” the fire chief said. “It was pleasing though that we had more senior collectors this year.

“We thank the three clubs for their assistance supplying the buses. Without their help we couldn’t cover our growing area.”

Outstanding donations can be made as soon as possible to the Central Murray Credit Union in Yarrawonga. Some official totals are still being tallied.