Please note that this page is dedicated to older news stories, for more recent news, please view the News page.
Good Friday appeal 2011
Good Friday 2011 is soon approaching, on Friday 22 April 2011. We are looking for volunteers again this year to help us across various activities to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal. Please refer to our Good Friday Appeal page for more information on how you can help. We thank you for your support.
Hewlett-Packard ePrint helps spread smiles during the Good Friday Appeal
We would like to invite all volunteers to email photos to eprintforthekids@hp.com
The email could be a photo of you, your pet, your family, or you making a donation or your volunteer group collecting donations for the Good Friday Appeal –– anything to make a kid smile!
The photos will be placed on a photoboard at Etihad on Good Friday.
More details about ePrintforthekids:
http://www.youtube.com/user/HPhomeAU?feature=mhum#p/u/6/zxsR1mJCdDw
Watch the HP ePrintforthekids wall grow on Channel 7’s telecast Good Friday Appeal broadcasting live from 9.30am on Friday 22 April 2011.
Yarra Trams helps launch the Good Friday Appeal’s 80 Years of Giving in spectacular style
80 Faces depicting 80 years of giving to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal have been unveiled in spectacular fashion – wrapped around a special tram in the lead up to Victoria’s much loved fundraising event. read more
Two of the founding members of RCH Pied Pipers are featured on the Tram
Source: Official Good Friday Appeal Website
Good Friday appeal 2011
Good Friday 2011 is soon approaching, on Friday 22 April 2011. We are looking for volunteers again this year to help us across various activities to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal. Please refer to our Good Friday Appeal page for more information on how you can help. We thank you for your support.
Christmas decorations 2010
We thank our volunteers for assisting us decorate the wards at the Royal Children's hospital and bringing some Christmas cheer to the children and families. To view photos from the day, please visit our Christmas decorations page.
$105,970.35 raised from sale of 2010 Mark Knight Grand Final Poster
Congratulations to all Pied Piper volunteers and supporters who contributed to the outstanding total of $105,970.35 raised from the sale of the Herald Sun Mark Knight 2010 Collingwood Premiership Posters at the AFL Grand Final.
This amazing result was achieved from the sale of the Premiership posters at the MCG at the AFL Grand Final replay on Saturday 2 October and Collingwood’s Family Day at Gosch’s Paddock and the MCG Open Day on Sunday 3 October.
We would also like to thank all of our volunteers who assisted at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 25 September.
We again thank everyone who contributed to the amazing grand total for your support. Additional posters can be purchased at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
Standby for Grand Final 2011 Saturday October 1
More details of Grand Final Poster Sales...
Certificate recipients for 2009-2010
Congratulations to the Certificate recipients for 2009-2010, presented at the AGM for their long term contribution to the Pied Pipers:
- Cindy Au
- Jenny Choong (Eltham High School)
- John Attard
- Nicole & Ray Brodgen
- Silvana Monteleone
- Budget Truck Rental
- Mustangs in Black
- Omnilink
- Premier Office National
- Signarama
- Twentieth Century Fox Films

Certificate of Ongoing Appreciation:
- Andrew Smith
- Angela & Barry Long
- Motorola Australia
The Awards were presented by Emoke Bakacs (Deputy Director, Good Friday Appeal and Lina Caneva (Pied Pipers Ambassador)
Good Friday 2010
Congratulations to all RCH Pied Piper volunteers and schools who have contributed to the total $215,963.90 raised for the 2010 Good Friday Appeal. Amazing! Thank you for your contribution. The total fundsraised for 2010 was $14,462,000. Photos from the day will be uploaded shortly, so stay tuned!
Congratulations to Yarra Valley Grammar who won the Pied Pipers Trophy in 2010, see more...
2010 Good Friday at Etihad Stadium
Thanks to all who came along to visit our “Kid’s Big Day Out” Marquee at Etihad Stadium on Good Friday 2010. We hope you enjoyed this fun day. A special thank-you to all our enthusiastic band of “Team Etihad” Volunteers who came along to lend us hand with face-painting, Henna hand-painting and other activities including the sale of Melbourne Storm and Geelong Premiership Posters. Thanks also to the Melbourne Storm players who gave their time to autograph their posters. We also acknowledge the continuing support of “Mustangs in Black” and the generous support of HOSTPLUS.
Volunteer Now for the 2011 Good Friday Appeal
The Annual Good Friday Appeal will be held on Friday April 22nd 2011. This will mark the 80th Anniversary of the Good Friday Appeal. To find out more information about the event and to volunteer, please visit our Good Friday Appeal page.
Christmas decorations at the Royal Children’s Hospital
In early December, the RCH Pied Pipers Members and Volunteers decorate the wards of the Royal Children's Hospital to bring some Christmas cheer for the children, parents and staff. To view photos from the day, please visit our Christmas Decorations page.
Pied Pipers on Facebook
The RCH Pied Pipers are now on Facebook! We have set up a fan page that will allow you to show your support and express your interest for volunteering events. So come find us on Facebook.
October Fair 39-43 Wetherby Road Doncaster from 10am.
October 16th.
RCH Pied Pipers will again participate in the October Fair in conjunction with The Kevin Heinze Garden Centre, Our Patch and Doncare on Saturday October 16th where children's Lucky Dips, Mystery Bags, Toys etc. plus plants, tools, accessories, and a Garage Sale with lots of bargains will be available at this combined Community Event.
Grand Final Posters 2009 Results
Congratulations to everyone involved with the 2009 Grand Final Posters event! Thanks to everyone's efforts, a total of $56,228.35 was raised from the day. Please visit the Grand Final Posters page for more information and to view photos from the day.
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40 Year Celebration
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our 40th year celebration reunion event. Please visit our special events page for more information on the special day.
Pied Pipers AGM Results 2009
Congratulations to the appointment of 2009/2010 committee. We thank the outgoing committee for your contribution and dedication.
Honorary Life Governor Award
Congratulations to Pied Pipers member, Penny Bentley who was presented the Honorary Life Governor Royal Children’s Hospital Award. This prestigious award was presented by Good Friday Appeal Director, Christine Unsworth and Deputy Director Emoke Bakacs, as a result of Penny’s long term contribution and commitment to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Certificate Recipients
Congratulations to the Certificate recipients for 2008-2009, presented at the AGM for their long term contribution to the Pied Pipers:
- Dimattina Provedoring
- La Manna Fresh
- Kevin Bolt
- Don Wright
- Ken Porteous
- Peter Tierney
- Maurice Anderson
- Liz Rendell
- Sally Kortekaas
- Colin Jordan
- Nigel Finney
- Bernadette Rowe
- Farrah, Adelle & Zac Mansour
Tribute to Dame Patricia Mackinnon, D.B.E. 24.7.1911 – 17.5.2009
Dame Patricia was Patron-in-Chief of the RCH Pied Pipers. Patricia Mackinnon joined the Royal Children's Hospital Committee of Management in 1948, serving in several offices before being elected to the Presidency in 1965, succeeding Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.. She was appointed a Commander to the Order of the British Empire in 1972 and a Dame of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1977 in recognition of distinguished service to the community in hospital administration.
We are very privileged in having had such a distinguished, warm and caring person as our Patron-in-Chief. Dame Patricia always made it clear that she was very proud of our efforts for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, and would always sit up to hear our Good Friday total announced on Channel 7 (even in the days when our announcement was made late in the evening - often close to Midnight)! We treasure the beautifully hand-written notes of congratulation from Dame Patricia.
Dame Patricia joined us for the Pied Pipers 20th Anniversary Dinner, and again for our 30th Anniversary Barbecue Lunch which she thoroughly enjoyed, joining in with great gusto whenever we broke into song!
We will make a toast to Dame Patricia’s memory when we celebrate 40th Good Friday Appeal with a Reunion Lunch this coming July – she was our Patron-in-Chief, friend and a truly remarkable Australian!
Our sympathy is extended to Dame Patricia’s family.
Good Friday 2009
Congratulations to all volunteers and contributors to the 2009 Good Friday Appeal. The Pied Pipers raised a total of $189,722.59 for the 2009 Good Friday Appeal, contributing to the record Good Friday Appeal total of $13,862,734.
Please refer to the Good Friday Page for further information and the 2009 Photo Gallery. The Official Good Friday website can be viewed at www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
The RCH Pied Pipers would also like to thank all secondary schools involved.
Christmas Decorations 2008
Thank you to all volunteers and supporters who decorated the wards of the Royal Children’s Hospital for Christmas. The wards were filled with Christmas cheer and brought a smile to the children, family and friends during the festive season. Photos from Christmas Decorations can be viewed from the Gallery page.
AFL WEG Premiership Posters
Congratulations to all volunteers and contributors who helped raise $52,111 from the sales of WEG Premiership Posters at the AFL Grand Final, on Saturday 27 September 2008. Refer to the WEG Posters page for further information about the event.
Congratulations Russell Mark
Congratulations from all Pied Pipers to our Ambassador Russell Mark , on representing Australia and making the Beijing 2008 Olympics Final. Russell Mark competes in Clay Shooting and was one of Australia's four Individual Gold Medallists at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Russell's career has included well over 20 Australian Championships. More information about Russell Mark can be viewed from our Ambassadors page, or view the latest news at Russell's home page www.russellmark.com.au
Pied Pipers AGM Results 2008
Congratulations to the appointment of 2008/ 2009 committee. We thank the outgoing committee for your contribution and dedication.
Honorary Life Governor Award
Congratulations to Pied Pipers Treasurer, John Ovens who was presented the Honorary Life Governor Royal Children’s Hospital Award. This prestigious award was presented by Good Friday Appeal Director, Christine Unsworth and Deputy Director Emoke Bakacs, as a result of John’s long term contribution and commitment to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Certificate Recipients
Congratulations to the Certificate recipients for 2007- 2008, presented at the AGM for their long term contribution to the Pied Pipers:
- Shona McNeill

- Dunn Family
- Sandra West
- Brett West
- Greig Novelties
- P. & O. Distributors
- Going Nuts
- Sandra McClaren- Gaiety Industries
- Kevin Canty
If you would like to get involved with the Pied Pipers in 2008/ 2009, please Contact Us. We would love to hear from you.
Pied Pipers Secondary School Trophy Award
Congratulations to Yarra Valley Grammar who won the Pied Pipers Trophy, for raising a total of $28,806.10 in funds. The Pied Pipers trophy is awarded to the Secondary school who has raised the highest amount of funds. Congratulations to every school who participated in 2008, raising a total of $125,441.65 on Good Friday. More information is accessible via the Secondary Schools page.
2008 Good Friday Appeal
Congratulations RCH Pied Pipers on raising
$196,706.45 for the 2008 Good Friday Appeal. In 2008, Pied Pipers have reached a milestone of $5,124,842.15 in funds raised since their ablishment in 1969.
Pictured: Pied Piper Ambassadors, Lina Caneva and Russell Mark, together with Simon Finney, Michelle Di Fabio and Heather Goodgame, present a cheque for $196,706.45 to the Good Friday Appeal on March 21st 2008.
Kids' day out at Telstra Dome
On Good Friday March 21 the RCH Pied Pipers will participate with a Marquee at Telstra Dome for the annual Good Friday Appeal “Kids Day Out”. The “Kids Day Out” is a fun day for families featuring music, HSV-7 and 3AW personalities, rides, balloons, fun activities, etc. with proceeds to the Good Friday Appeal.
The Pied Pipers Marquee will feature Bunny Ears, Bubbles, Face
Painting, Lucky Dips and lots of other novelties. Please visit us
at our Marquee located on the Telstra Dome concourse, at the end of
the walkway from Southern Cross Station. This year, the Pied Pipers
activities will also include “The Mustangs in Black”
offering rides in their Mustang Convertibles around the Telstra
Dome/Docklands precincts for a modest donation. (Location –
Telstra Dome Bus Parking Area near cnr. Bourke Street &
Wurundjeri Way).
Website: www.mustangsinblack.com.au
Menzies Community Awards 2008
The Menzies Community Australia Day Awards are presented by Kevin Andrews MP (Located in Menzies electorate) to individuals who have distinguished themselves by their active concern and service to the community. On Australia Day 2008 Melissa Anderson and Sandra Williams were presented with the award, joining past Pied Piper recipients Heather Goodgame, John Ovens, Ben Delmasto, Margaret Lee, Simon Finney, Tricia Carr, Richard Williams, Rick Collett, Toni Maddocks, Bob Maddocks and Michael Gainger.
Christmas Decorations at the RCH 2007
Thank you to all volunteers and contributors of the Christmas Decorations at the Royal Children’s Hospital in December 2007. We thank you for your continued support.
Please view our events page for a review and photos from the day.
WEG Premiership Posters 2007
The sales of the WEG Premiership Posters in 2007 were a great success. Thank you to all the Pied Pipers volunteers who sold 26,000 Geelong posters to eager fans and raised $50,600 within the 3 hour period following the Grand Final. To find out more about the event, please refer to our WEG Posters event page.
Cheque Presentation, Royal Children's Hospital
On Friday 29 June 2007, RCH Pied Pipers Committee members attended
the Official presentation of the cheque handover for the amount of
$11,788,970.88, from the Good Friday Appeal to the Royal Children's
Hospital. Attendees on the evening included representatives from
the Good Friday Appeal Office, Media Partners of
the Good Friday Appeal and Volunteer supporter groups, whom
together celebrated the record success of the fundraising efforts
for the Royal Children's Hospital in 2006- 2007.
Annual General Meeting 2007 (AGM)
The RCH Pied Pipers AGM was held on Tuesday 19 June 2007, where members and guests celebrated a successful year of fundraising efforts for the Royal Children's Hospital. Some highlights include the following:
- Contribution to the Good Friday Appeal of $217,346.73
- Gratitude to all members, volunteers, contributors, schools and colleges involved
- Yarra Valley Grammar School, winner of the RCH Pied Pipers Trophy
- Presentation of Awards from the Royal Children's Hospital and
the RCH Pied Pipers including the following:
- A Pewter Plaque (donated by Sheil Abbey)
Presented by: Christine Unsworth, Director of the Good Friday Appeal and Emoke Bakacs, Deputy Director of the Good Friday Appeal.
Recipient: Richard Williams
About the Award: The plaque is inscribed "Presented to Richard Williams in recognition of his contribution to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal". - Honorary Life Governor Royal Children's
Hospital
Presented by: Christine Unsworth, Director of the Good Friday Appeal and Emoke Bakacs, Deputy Director of the Good Friday Appeal.
Recipient: Melissa Anderson and Heather Goodgame
About the Award: This award from the Royal Children's Hospital is in recognition of the contribution made by Heather and Melissa during their 10 years of dedicated support to the to the Royal Children's Hospital as members of the RCH Pied Pipers. - Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by: Simon Finney, President and Lina Caneva, RCH Pied Pipers Ambassador
Recipient: MacRobertson Girls High School, Orix Australia Corporation Ltd, Murray Baird, Frank Barba, Jim Lawrenson and Arthur Lucas
About the Award: Recognition for long term and outstanding support to RCH Pied Pipers and the Good Friday Appeal over recent years. - Web-site Re-development Award
Presented by: Simon Finney, President and Lina Caneva, RCH Pied Pipers Ambassador
Recipient: Con Rigopoulos, David Tay, Diana Herman, Kym Goh, Sam Foley, Sriprai Chanwichit, Thi Thuy Tran and Michelle Di Fabio
About the Award: Awarded for the outstanding contribution to the re-development of www.piedpipers.org
- A Pewter Plaque (donated by Sheil Abbey)
Thank you for the support of members, volunteers and contributors over the past year and we look forward to your continued involvement in 2007/ 2008.
For any further information about how you can become involved, please refer to How You Can Help or Contact Us.
Web site launch
The new RCH Pied Pipers website was officially launched on Tuesday 19th June 2007. We gratefully thank the efforts of volunteer students from the web site team, for their time and enthusiasm in re-developing the website.
We look forward to the continued growth of the RCH Pied Pipers and initiatives from current and future members plus Pied Pipers volunteers and supporters.
Good Friday Appeal 2007
Congratulations to volunteers and supporters of the Royal Children's Hospital Pied Pipers in contributing to the amount of $217,346.73, presented to the Good Friday Appeal on 6th April 2007. Please refer to the Good Friday event page or acknowledgements, for a list of Schools involved and contributors on Good Friday, who have made the total funds raised in 2007 possible.
Pied Pipers Media Archive
Take a trip down Memory Lane for a selection of articles in the Media Archive, from the establishment of the Pied Pipers in 1969 to the various milestone fundraising amounts achieved. In the year 2007- 2008, we look forward to reaching the significant milestone of a total of $5,000,000 raised for the Good Friday Appeal. Again, we thank the Patron in Chief, Ambassadors, members and many volunteers and supporters of the RCH Pied Pipers, who have contributed to achieving these milestones.
