The History

How did it all begin?

In the depression years of the early 1930’s, journalists from the Herald & Weekly Times’ Sporting Globe, organised a Charity Sports Carnival on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Children’s Hospital was selected as the most deserving cause.

The Carnival became bigger and better each year, being relocated to the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, and the Children’s Hospital continued to receive the proceeds from this major event.

In 1942, Sir Keith Murdoch, then the Managing Director of the Herald & Weekly Times, agreed to a proposal that the company’s newly aquired radio station 3DB (now 101.1 TTFM) broadcast an all day Appeal on Good Friday. With the introduction of television in the 1950’s the telethon became an important aspect of the Appeal. Channel 7’s day long broadcasts commenced in 1957.

Despite many managerial and ownership changes over the years, the three media outlets, the Herald & Weekly Times, Channel 7 Melbourne and 101.1 TTFM have continued to support the Appeal solely for the benefit of the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

The Good Friday Appeal Today.

The Good Friday Appeal is ‘the People's Appeal’ and its success lies with the involvement and support of the community.

Throughout the year, thousands of people, whether in official groups or as individuals or employees of corporations, give their time and expertise to raise funds for the Appeal. People from all walks of life and from over 160 rural town communities join in the tradition and fun.

On Good Friday, a great sense of excitement and a flurry of activities takes place near the Herald & Weekly Times building at Southgate in Melbourne.

Trained volunteers are ready to receive and count the donations collected from throughout the State. Radio station 101.1 TTFM broadcasts live from Southgate with many celebrities out and about to offer their support.

Channel 7 hosts the phone room with dozens of volunteer telephonists receiving calls from the general public.

Sports and television stars appear throughout the day with messages of thanks and encouragement.

The focus of the day is on  the children, with many heartwarming stories of the young patients at the Hospital and the excellent treatment that they receive. This motivates us to continue our work in providing funds to purchase specialised medical equipment and fund research.

With the support and involvement of our sponsors and an army of volunteers, the administrative cost of theAppeal remains at under ten cents in the dollar.