Cost-of-living and the fuel crisis aren't dampening spirits this Easter, with community and care still at the heart of so many. Millions marked Good Friday, one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, as others gave to those in need.

Melbourne

Melbourne residents began Good Friday with church services, including a Way of the Cross procession led by Reverend Tim Watson, highlighting unity among historically divided churches. The day continued with the 95th annual Good Friday Appeal at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which featured family-friendly activities and aimed to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital.

The event spotlighted the story of Ollie, a young patient who has undergone multiple surgeries, and received support from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen and a $1 million government donation. Organisers expressed hope to surpass last year's record $23.8 million in donations, with all proceeds dedicated to life-saving care for sick children.

Good Friday spirit shines in acts of faith and generosity

Good Friday started with a moment of reflection, some Aussies beginning their Easter long weekend with a morning church service. In Melbourne, Reverend Tim Watson walking the way of the cross through the city with hundreds of parishioners on one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar. What's really exciting for me here is to see how churches which historically over the centuries have been at war with each other have been able to come together and show their unity in a way which is really what we need to hear at the moment. We come out each year, yeah, because it's a part of our Christian culture and our worship and our devotion, yeah. PAWS gave way to Party in Victoria soon after for the 95th annual Good Friday Appeal. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre transforming into a family fun festival with rides, games, stalls and animal exhibits. It was for the Royal Children's Hospital where Ollie has undergone seven operations before his seventh birthday. I was born and I had tracheal arteriosclerosis, arteriovenous arteries. Parents Jacinta and Darcy lived at the hospital for four months when their son underwent his first 13-hour procedure as a four-week-old infant. It was a really, really difficult time but we're through the darkness and we're through the hardest parts and to be here today is just incredible. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen was part of the crowd, the State Government donating $1 million. A record $23.8 million was raised at last year's Good Friday Appeal and while organisers recognise that Aussies are doing it tough, they're confident of setting a new benchmark this Easter with proceeds going towards life-saving care for sick kids. Easter used to mean operations for Ollie but now he's waiting on a different type of visit. And Ollie, what are you doing this Easter? What are you most looking forward to? Eating chocolate eggs. Has the Easter bunny been yet? No. Sophie Smith, 10 News.

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