Freemasons rally behind record-breaking Good Friday Appeal

Freemasons in Victoria have once again demonstrated the power of community, contributing both time and funds to support the 2026 Good Friday Appeal.

Under the leadership of Grand Master Peter Henshall, Freemasons across the state came together in the lead-up to Easter, with months of planning and fundraising activity reflecting a shared commitment at every level of the organisation. From regional communities through to metropolitan Melbourne, Lodges and members contributed through a wide range of initiatives, united by a common goal of supporting the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and clinical care for children statewide.

Districts rallied in force for a record breaking collective effort with Lodges, volunteers and members contributing through a range of fundraising initiatives, from BBQ’s, to Bingo nights, raffles and tin rattling at Kardinia park over the preceding months.

Speaking during the televised Appeal, Henshall highlighted the scale of the statewide effort, noting that fundraising had taken place “all over the state,” from regional communities through to metropolitan Melbourne.

“Our group is split into 12 districts… we’ve been rattling cans in Omeo, we’ve had fundraising events down in Portland,” he said. “Particularly our boys in the Western District who sizzled a dozen million [sic] sausages this morning to raise funds.”

These grassroots efforts formed part of a much bigger story. Broadcast live from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 2026 Appeal captured the hearts of Victorians once again, raising a record-breaking $25.2 million.

Freemasons Victoria contributed a combined total of $155,000, including $50,000 from Freemasons Foundation Victoria (FFV), with the remainder raised through Lodge-led initiatives across the state. The cheque was presented by FFV Chairman Garry James and Grand Master Peter Henshall, representing the collective efforts of Freemasons and their communities.

Importantly, the strength of this year’s fundraising has enabled a more targeted impact, with funds directed towards improving access to specialist paediatric care across regional Victoria. This support will help bring care closer to home for families, reducing the need for travel, strengthening local health services, and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Across the state, this includes vital equipment and service enhancements:

• In Barwon South West, new clinical equipment will support earlier diagnosis and improved monitoring for infants and children.

• In Loddon Mallee, funding will contribute to an Allied Health triage clinic and post-diagnosis navigator service at Bendigo Health, supporting children with learning and behavioural disorders.

• In Hume, investment in staff training and maternity and newborn equipment will strengthen care in Shepparton and Wangaratta.

• In the Grampians, funding will support the purchase of a resuscitation cot to enhance emergency care for newborns.

• In Gippsland, a new telehealth station will enable paediatric emergency consultations, connecting regional clinicians with specialist expertise.

By extending the reach of specialist services beyond hospital walls and into regional communities, Freemasons’ Good Friday Appeal fundraising efforts are helping ensure that children across Victoria can receive the treatment they need, when and where they need it - giving families greater peace of mind and hope for the future.