Horsham appeal co-ordinator Stephen Carman said there were about 60 people collection door-to-door donations in Horsham with a convoy of Country Fire Authority firetrucks.

“The town total is $43,218, which includes $30,248 from the fire truck collectors and collectors at traffic lights,” he said.

“That’s not likely to be the final total. There might be another $8,000 to come in.”

Mr Carman had set a goal of collecting $64,000 on Good Friday for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“It all went well and everything fell into place on Friday,” he said.

“Everyone worked really well together.

“I’d like to thank everyone, from the kids to the National Australia Bank, who helped out with counting money.”

Mr Carman expected to have a final total for Horsham collections on Monday.

Warracknabeal Fire Brigade Captain Cameron Whelan said his volunteers has collected $17,738 so far.

“It’s about $2000 more than we’ve ever had,” he said.

“It was an amazing effort all round. We also had a Good Friday raffle which brought in $1700 on its own.

“The region is still facing hard times as we had a big harvest but prices were low. It just goes to show the generosity of country people who keep giving even when there isn’t a lot of money to spare.”    

Murtoa Fire Brigade also collected a good total.

“Well done to everyone that turned up yesterday to rattle tins around town,” the fire brigade posted on Facebook.

“Awesome effort to get $3075 in a couple of hours. Thanks to all who donated.”

Laharum Fire brigade travelled to Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians on Good Friday as part of a new strategy.

Laharum volunteer Luke Dumesny said the group collected $800.

“We thought that with the high visitor numbers we might be able to find some people who could contribute,” he said.

“There were a fair few people in the car park.”

Grampians National Park visitors also got some extra photo opportunities.

“A couple of kids got some photos with the fire truck. We dressed them up in fire gear and they climbed up on the truck,” Mr Dumesny said.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy joined the collection team on Friday.

“Over $23,400 collected for the Good Friday Appeal by the CFA around Horsham,” she said via social media.

“Total over $40,000. Such a generous community. Awesome job!”