BERRIWILLOCK may have fewer than 200 residents, but this tiny Mallee town has put itself on the map for generosity after a mammoth Good Friday Appeal effort.
The town’s famous auction at the Golden Crown Hotel raised a record-breaking $43,000, with more than a quarter of the town – 70 people – in attendance.
The tiny community always does their bit for the Melbourne-based Royal Children’s Hospital, and last year topped the region raising $24,465, but outdone themselves in 2022.
Based on the last count, this population of 184 averaged more than $230 per person to help sick children and their families get the help they need.
But this is far from the first time locals have dug deep.
Auctioneer and local shearer Max Nunn has organised the local event with wife Catherine Nunn for the past quarter-of-a-century, taking over from the Bibby family.
Mr Nunn is approaching 61, and has volunteered as an auctioneer since the age of 18.
“There has been a lot of 20s (more than $20,000 raised) over the years, and even a $31,000 one year, but the $43,000 was just unbelievable,” Mr Nunn told The Guardian.
“As an auctioneer, you can tell when it’s starting to get up.
“They just need to learn to pronounce the town in Melbourne for the television.”
The fundraising event, held traditionally on Thursday night “before everyone goes fishing”, began well before Mr Nunn’s time when a local youngster was unwell.
“A local kid was crook and some fellas in the pub got talking about how to help,” he said.
Over the years, the Nunn’s nephew experienced his own heart problems and there have been a number of other children who have needed the services of the world-class hospital.
This year, 43 bidders vied for an impressive array of goods; two dozen of Anne Cox’s delicious eclairs sold for $2000, with Mr Nunn saying the local boys get “a bit competitive” when it comes to the delicious pastries.
“They’re mad on them and there is certainly a bit of rivalry,” Mr Nunn said.
There was also memorabilia, accommodation from the region, six woodfired pizzas in nearby Mallee hotspot Wood Wood went and surfing lessons in Ocean Grove.
Locals again contributed baked items, while others delivered potatoes, pumpkins and hot cross buns.
Mr Nunn thanked Swan Hill and Sea Lake businesses for their generosity to help make Berriwillock’s night of nights.
“You’d be battling to find 100 people here,” Mr Nunn said.
“We’re a blink and you miss it town, but we’ve got a big heart and we always have.”
This year the Good Friday Appeal raised a staggering $22,328,154, with regional and rural Victoria contributing $2,581,661 to that sum.
More generosity:
Birchip $1749
Boort $2967
Cohuna $6596
Donald $9293
Gunbower $5300
Kerang $17,723
Koondrook/Barham $15,328
Leitchville $12,378
Manangatang $4186
Nyah/Nyah West/Koraleigh $16,623
Quambatook $2160
Swan Hill $15,782
Tocumwal $10,500
Tooleybuc $13,317
Watchem $532
Wood Wood $349
Woomelang $3068
Wycheproof $3164
