Each year, thousands of Victorians come together for one of the state’s most loved traditions, the Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out.

On 3 April 2026, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will once again transform into a vibrant hub of laughter, colour and community spirit, all in support of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

And once again, St John Ambulance Victoria will be there, proudly supporting the event and the families at its heart.

Behind the scenes of a day that matters

From carnival rides and giant inflatables to craft, music and the much-loved Teddy Bear Hospital, Kids Day Out is all about creating joy for children and families.

But behind the scenes, St John volunteers play an essential role in making sure the day runs safely.

Around 35 dedicated volunteers will be on site, providing first aid support throughout the event, ready to respond to everything from minor bumps to more serious incidents.

It’s all part of St John’s mission: For the Service of Humanity.

As Community Programs Manager Emma Klinakis explains:

“The Good Friday Appeal is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a greater cause. At St John, we are proud to support this iconic event each year, ensuring families can enjoy the day safely while helping raise funds for life-changing care.”

More than first aid: building lifesavers

This year, visitors will also see the return of a familiar and much-loved initiative, St John’s CPR Lab.

Designed to be fun, interactive and accessible, the CPR Lab gives people of all ages the chance to learn vital lifesaving skills, including CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

Community Development and Engagement Officer Marj Devereux says the impact goes far beyond the event itself:

“Every year, our staff and volunteers look forward to supporting the hospital, but also to sharing skills that people may one day rely on to save a life.”

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time, and survival often depends on immediate action.

At this year’s Kids Day Out, CPR Lab is expected to deliver over 7,000 minutes of free CPR training, helping equip the community with the confidence to step in when it matters most.

In 2025 alone, the initiative reached more than 9,000 Victorians.

A partnership built on care

The long-standing partnership between St John Ambulance Victoria and the Good Friday Appeal reflects a shared commitment, to care, compassion and community.

While St John volunteers focus on keeping families safe, the Appeal continues its vital work raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, supporting world-class care, research and equipment for children across Victoria.

Be part of something meaningful

Kids Day Out is free to attend, making it accessible for families from all walks of life, but its impact depends on the generosity of the community.

If you are attending, consider making a donation on the day.
Or, if you can’t make it, you can still support the cause and help change young lives.

Donate to the Good Friday Appeal here:
https://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/kids-day-out/

Because every contribution, big or small, helps ensure children receive the care they need, when they need it most.

Looking ahead to Good Friday

As Melbourne comes together once again, St John Ambulance Victoria is proud to stand alongside the community, not just to provide care, but to be part of something bigger.

A day of fun, generosity, and a day that truly makes a difference.