The 59th Channel 7 Telethon held over the weekend has raised a record $101,277,705, with Western Australians coming together across 26 hours of live broadcasting to support children and families in need.
The annual fundraising event, broadcast on Seven across WA and nationally on 7plus, brought together Seven Network stars, performers, businesses and community groups, with this year’s total taking Telethon’s fundraising tally since 1968 beyond $879 million.
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The generosity of Western Australians was on full display over the weekend, with $101,277,705 raised through the 59th Channel 7 Telethon for children and families in need.
Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has raised more than $879 million to fund medical research into childhood diseases, essential equipment, critical services and life-changing opportunities for children living with illness, disability and disadvantage across Western Australia.
Over 26 hours of live broadcasting from RAC Arena, the Seven Network’s biggest stars joined some of Australia’s most loved performers and the West Australian community in an extraordinary celebration of generosity, entertainment and community spirit.
This year’s little Telethon stars, Aiden, Olivia and Paige, were at the heart of the weekend, sharing their stories and reminding audiences of the children and families at the centre of Telethon.
Telethon Trustee Kerry Stokes AC said:
“For over 59 years we have built a family who have benefited from Telethon, and that’s why our community supports us so well.”
“Every cent raised goes directly to beneficiaries, which sets Telethon apart. Telethon helps West Australians make a material difference to the lives of so many families.”
Telethon Chair Richard Goyder AO said he was “blown away” by the generosity of Western Australians supporting our kids and their families.
“We are going to make a difference to these kids and their families in the years ahead.”
“Schools, community groups, businesses and individuals have been fundraising since January, and this weekend is where it all comes together.”
“That money goes straight back out into the community to fund research, equipment and services for children right across WA throughout the year.”
“On behalf of the Trustees, thank you to everyone who gave, volunteered or fundraised in 2026,” Mr Goyder said.
The Telethon broadcast is the culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising by schools, community groups, businesses and families across Western Australia, with fundraising efforts growing significantly this year.
The call centre was buzzing throughout the weekend, with West Australians lining up to make donations and speak with their favourite stars, helping drive a significant contribution to the final total.
Celebrities also went the extra mile for Telethon, with 7 commentator and former AFL great Kane Cornes taking on his biggest physical challenge yet, running two marathons in five days to raise $649,013 for the cause.
Telethon’s signature event for business and community leaders, the Telethon Ball, also raised an incredible $25 million, making another major contribution to the record total.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose Government donated $6 million, said the “biggest state in the world hosts the biggest Telethon in the world to show its people have the biggest heart in the world.”
“It’s an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to the vibrancy and the sense of community that you don’t have to be from the West to understand that this is the culture that you have built here over generations.”
Premier Roger Cook said:
“Telethon reminds us of the good in the world, how kind, generous and hopeful we can all be when we come together for a common cause.”
Telethon is proudly championed by Seven West Media, including 7NEWS Perth, The West Australian, PerthNow, The Nightly and its network of regional and suburban newspapers, with dedicated staff and volunteers working alongside the Telethon team to bring the event to life.
Seven West Media CEO and Telethon Trustee, Maryna Fewster, said:
“Our theme ‘Incredible Together’ sums up Telethon perfectly. It’s a whole community, and a whole company, working towards one goal.”
“Our people love working on Telethon all year, not just on the weekend. Seeing that effort become real support for children and families is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
In 2026, Telethon has supported 147 beneficiary organisations through grants for services, programs, equipment, research and opportunities for children. Money raised this year will continue that important support in 2027.
The 59th Telethon was broadcast live on Seven and 7plus nationally, sharing the stories of Telethon children and the generosity behind the event with audiences across Australia.
