-- The generosity and kindness of West Australians was on show over the weekend, with a record-breaking $90,160,275 raised for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children through the 2025 Channel 7 Telethon.
Telethon has raised more than $778 million since its inception in 1968 for medical research into childhood diseases, and equipment, critical services and life-changing opportunities to create a brighter future for WA children.
WA family donations over the weekend eclipsed last year, setting a new record for the community. The Telethon Ball, the night of nights for business, politics and community leaders, also broke all records, raising an incredible $21 million on the night, including two 1kg gold bars going together at auction for $1 million.
Telethon Chair Richard Goyder AO said it was inspiring to see the WA community come together with such generosity and dedication throughout the year, culminating in the weekend.
“This spirit of giving has been the heartbeat of Telethon since 1968, and each year it grows stronger,” he said.
“From school fundraisers and lemonade stands to fun challenges and bake sales, we’re seeing an incredible wave of community-led efforts with kids helping other kids in the most inspiring ways.
“Every single dollar raised by our amazing fundraisers goes directly to helping sick children and their families, creating real, lasting change,” Mr Goyder said.
Telethon is proudly championed by the entire Seven West Media, including 7NEWS Perth, The West Australian, PerthNow, The Nightly and 30 regional and suburban newspapers, with dedicated volunteers working with the Telethon team to bring the event to life.
The theme, Incredible Together, captured the spirit of the 58th Telethon Weekend, which was a powerful celebration of compassion, community, and the extraordinary impact Western Australians can make when they unite for a common cause.
This year’s little Telethon stars – Izzy, Jordan, Xavier and Paige – were front and centre throughout the weekend, serving as a powerful reminder of why Telethon exists and the children the community rallies to support.
Seven West Media Chair and Telethon Trustee, Kerry Stokes AC, who announced the final total on air last night, said: “Telethon is more than a fundraiser. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.
“It has changed the outlook of everyone in this state towards disadvantaged people. It’s beyond a charity – it’s the way the state sees itself.”
“Telethon is a tradition that continues to inspire year after year, and it holds a special place in the hearts of all Western Australians,” he said.
Seven West Media WA CEO and Telethon Trustee, Maryna Fewster, said: “Our team is honoured to play a part in Telethon, knowing that every dollar raised helps bring comfort, care and hope to children and families across Western Australia.
“Telethon is a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community, and it continues to be one of the greatest examples of community spirit anywhere in the world.
“I’d like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers, supporters, donors, families and the entire state for a hugely successful Telethon that will make a big difference next year and beyond,” she said.
Throughout 2025, Telethon has been financially supporting 161 children’s charities, beneficiaries and community organisations, and has become the largest charity fundraiser of its kind in the world.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, who handed over a federal government cheque for $6 million yesterday, said the work Telethon supports is “transformational” and a “literal Godsend”.
“For the thousands of kids and families whose lives have been saved and changed for the better because of your generosity, I know there is a heartfelt deep sense of gratitude. Telethon really matters,” he said.
WA Premier Roger Cook, who committed a record $14 million from the state government to the cause, said Telethon is “woven into our lives” and “a reminder of what I love about Western Australia”.
“We are incredibly generous. Telethon proves that we are a giving state … but it is not just a fundraiser, it is a tradition it’s a celebration and a reflection of our values as Western Australians helping those needing it most, showing up and having a bit of fun while we do it.
“Telethon has transformed child health in WA. Every dollar raised helps push the boundaries of what’s possible - it helps WA kids live healthier and happier lives,” he said.
Background information
The 7NEWS Perth team of Susannah Carr, Rick Ardon, Ryan Daniels, Samantha Jolly Adrian Barich, Angela Tsun, Tim McMillan, Charlotte Goodlet and Matt Tinney were central to the Telethon broadcast, supported by their colleagues across the newsroom.
Telethon featured a star-studded Seven Network line-up, including Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington from Sunrise; Larry Emdur from The Chase Australia and The Morning Show; Kylie Gillies from The Morning Show; Manu Fieldel from My Kitchen Rules; Dr Chris Brown from Dancing With The Stars and My Reno Rules; Sonia Kruger from The Voice and Dancing With The Stars; The Chase Australia’s Issa Schultz, Matt Parkinson, Brydon Coverdale and Mara Lejins; The Front Bar’s Mick Molloy; Better Homes and Gardens stars Johanna Griggs, Dr Harry Cooper, Adam Dovile, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love; and many more.
The Telethon broadcast included stellar performances by The Voice Australia coach Ronan Keating and Australian Idol alumni Shannon Noll, Rob Mills and Casey Donovan, as well as Dami Im, The Ten Tenors and The 60 Four.
Sporting legends also took centre stage, with AFL greats Shane Crawford and Matthew Richardson, West Coast AFLW coach Daisy Pearce, and Supercars duo Will Davison and Riana Crehan all appearing.
This year’s 26-hour live event at RAC Arena was broadcast on Seven across Western Australia and was nationally available on 7flix and 7plus. The full Telethon broadcast is available to watch on demand on 7plus.
For further information, please contact:
Taryn Onofaro
Head of Communications and Partnerships WA
M: 0413 735 553
E: [email protected]
Kaycie Bradford
Communications Director, Corporate
M: 0400 002 664
E: [email protected]
About Seven West Media
Seven West Media (ASX: SWM) is one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, reaching more than 19 million people a month with a market-leading presence in content production across broadcast television, publishing and digital.
The company owns some of Australia’s most renowned media businesses and platforms, including the Seven Network and its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo; 7plus; 7NEWS.com.au; The West Australian; The Sunday Times; PerthNow; The Nightly; and Streamer.
The Seven Network is home to Australia’s most loved news, sport and entertainment programming, including 7NEWS, 7NEWS Spotlight, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Voice, Home and Away, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, Dancing With The Stars Farmer Wants A Wife, The Chase Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, RFDS, The 1% Club and the TV WEEK Logie Awards. Seven Network is also the broadcast partner of the AFL, Cricket Australia and Supercars.
Release ID: 89173214
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