Devenish Dookie & District Good Friday Appeal is back for 2026 1 million reasons to support DDDGFA
By Aaron Cordy
THE bravery of families with children at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne (RCH) can never be underestimated. Each year, their bravery is matched by the generosity of people across the state who donate to the Good Friday Appeal.
For the past decade, the dedicated volunteers of the Devenish Dookie & District Good Friday Appeal (DDDGFA) have taken the generosity to the next level with their fundraising efforts. This year, the group hopes to break the remarkable milestone of raising $1M in 10 years for the RCH.
DDDGFA president, Paul Durden, said the target was achievable thanks to the hard work of the committee and the generosity of the wider community.
“One business family rang me a few days prior to the appeal last year and donated $10,000, and they wanted it to be totally anonymous. That’s the type of genuine people we have in our community,” said Mr Durden.
In 2025 alone, the group raised a staggering $235,622, making it the third-highest fundraising group in Victoria, behind Ballarat and Albury/Wodonga.
Each year, DDDGFA hold several major fundraising events. This year’s events include:
Kevin Hicks Real Estate Barefoot Bowls
Thursday, March 5, Dookie Bowls Club
Entry $20 per person, teams of four
Includes barbecue tea between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, followed by bowls.
GV Transport Charity Golf Day (Ambrose)
Sunday, March 29, Hilltop Tatura
Check-in 9am, shotgun start 9.30am
Entry $150 per person ($600 per team of four)
Includes beer, wine and soft drinks on course, plus a two-course lunch in the clubhouse after play.
More than $4,000 in prizes up for grabs.
Charity Meat Tray Raffle Night
Friday, March 27, Shepparton Club
60 opportunities to win, with tickets available online or at the venue.
Groups are encouraged to book a table, with all funds raised going toward the DDDGFA 2026 Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal tally.
Show ‘n’ Shine & Music Day
Good Friday, April 3, Dookie
Prestige vehicles on display from 9am, with presentations at 12pm, followed by live entertainment in the afternoon.
The day will also feature raffles and the Goods & Services Auction.
Follow Devenish Dookie & District Good Friday Appeal on Facebook for more information and to get involved, or contact President DDDGFA Paul Durden on 0461 397 806.
