Members of the Stawell Fire Brigade during the Good Friday Appeal
A Stawell Fire Brigade member's five-decade long commitment to the Good Friday Appeal has helped push his brigade past a landmark $1 million in total funds raised.
Reg Smith first collected for the Appeal in 1972 after his own children received care at the Royal Children's Hospital.
"Some of my children were cared for at the Royal Children's Hospital over the years, so we saw firsthand the incredible work they do," Reg said.
"They helped our family through some very difficult times, and I always felt we should give something back.
"That's what got me involved in the first place, and it's why I've kept doing it all these years."
Stawell Fire Brigade raised more than $22,000 in this year's collection, with the wider Stawell community contributing over $57,000 to the 2026 Appeal.
Reg, a former brigade Captain for 22 years, said the milestone belongs to more than just the brigade.
"I'm very proud of the brigade and the effort members have put in over many years," he said.
Reg said fundraising has taken many forms over the years, from door-knocking and collections from CFA trucks, to support from local pubs, clubs, businesses and community members.
"It's always been a whole-of-community effort and that's something Stawell should be proud of," Reg said.
The result comes as CFA marks its 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, raising $2,150,000 in 2026 and surpassing $43 million in total contributions over that time.
Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said the annual effort remains a point of pride for the organisation.
"We are incredibly proud of our CFA members who lend their time to fundraise alongside the Victorian community for such a worthwhile cause," Alen said.
The 2026 Appeal also celebrated 95 years of fundraising, closing with a record-breaking tally of $25,268,485.
