Phillip Island’s Good Friday Festival: Built by the community, for the kids

Last year, Phillip Island faced an unexpected challenge.

Following Covid, Good Friday Appeal fundraising across many regions saw a significant decline.

The familiar energy, community gatherings and momentum that once surrounded the Appeal had slowed, and contributions were not reaching the levels they once had.

There was a real sense that something needed to change.

Rather than accept the downturn, the community began asking what more could be done.

Catherine Drazzi approached Anne-Marie Branch with a simple but powerful idea. What if Phillip Island thought outside the box?

What if instead of relying on tradition alone, new events were created to re-energise the island’s fundraising spirit?

Anne-Marie, known for her heart of gold and bubbly personality to match, did not hesitate.

She knocked on the door of Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre with one question.

Could something different be created?

That conversation became the catalyst for the inaugural PJ Party Disco Bowling Night.

Families arrived in pyjamas.

The lanes were full.

Music filled the centre.

Raffles ran throughout the afternoon and evening.

What began as a fresh idea quickly became a powerful show of community spirit.

By the end of the event, almost $7000 had been raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

It proved something important. The island was ready to rally again. It simply needed a new spark.

That was the moment something bigger was born.

What started as one creative fundraiser has now grown into a coordinated series of fundraising events running from March 20 through to Good Friday on April 3.

Local Phillip Island businesses have stepped forward to host their own events, all united under one shared purpose. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

This year’s expanded campaign includes events at Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, the Phillip Island Golf Club, Wildlife Coast Cruises, A Maze’N Things, Clay and Co Creative Café, Grumpys Mini Golf, Ember & Oak and more.

Each event is unique, from family sessions and creative workshops to social gatherings and sporting competitions, but they are all connected by one clear message.

Phillip Island is doing this for the kids.

At the heart of this year’s campaign is local ambassador Youki Innes (28). Born with cerebral palsy, he grew up on Phillip Island.

As a child, Youki spent significant time in and out of the Royal Children’s Hospital. The care he received, and the support provided to his family, played a vital role in shaping the life he lives today.

Recently, Youki completed a jetty jump, showing the determination and courage that defines him.

Despite ongoing health challenges, he continues to live an active and inspiring life within the community.
His story is a reminder that the Good Friday Appeal is not just a fundraising total. It represents real families; real hospital stays and real second chances.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee has been working to bring this expanded vision to life.

Anne-Marie Branch, Catherine Drazzi, Simon Hartley and Jeremy Westaway have been joined by committed volunteers Kylie Vines and Bronte Foote, whose energy and creativity have helped transform ideas into confirmed events. As more people stepped forward to help, the concept grew.

Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary has also generously supported the broader campaign and will play a key role in backing the Good Friday final: Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary presents Good Friday on the Lawn at Berninneit.

Local business support has been equally strong.

Jeremy and Declan from ArchiSign have donated and installed four roadside promotional signs across Phillip Island to ensure the campaign has strong visibility throughout the region.

Their contribution reflects the way local businesses have embraced the opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

There is something powerful about the way this has evolved. It was not designed in a boardroom. It was not imposed from outside. It grew from a conversation, a concern and a willingness to try.

There is also a sense of colour and imagination woven through the program. From pyjamas and themed events to community raffles, silent auctions and family activities, there is a touch of Disney magic in the mix. Not spectacle, but heart.

The kind of feeling that reminds people that when a community works together, something special can happen.

Between March 21 and April 3, there will be many opportunities to get involved. Families can attend the PJ and Pins Sunday Session. Golfers can enter the Ambrose Day at Phillip Island Golf Club. Visitors can experience twilight cruises, mini golf and creative workshops.

The campaign will culminate on Good Friday with Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary presents Good Friday on the Lawn at Berninneit, with activities for all ages.

There have been some incredible donations, including hot laps at Sandown, golf at Yarra Yarra Golf Club, professional photo shoots and accommodation at NRMA Caravan Park, just to name a few.

While not every event can be detailed here, each one contributes to the same goal.
Updates, schedules and event details can be found on Good Friday Appeal Phillip Island on Facebook and Instagram, along with a QR code linking to ticket purchases for individual events.

These platforms will serve as the central hub for information as the festival approaches.

Last year, Phillip Island decided not to accept decline.
Instead, it chose growth.

The PJ Party continues.

The events have expanded. And now an entire series stands proudly alongside the tradition of Good Friday fundraising.

This is not about replacing what came before.

It is about strengthening it.

From March 21 to April 3, Phillip Island has the opportunity to show once again what it does best.

Showing up for the kids.