This year’s Telethon extravaganza kicked off on Saturday with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing a $6 million donation from the Federal Government — saying the event “reflected the very best of the west”.
Attending the Telethon Gala Ball with his fiancee Jodie Haydon, Mr Albanese described the charity event as “an extraordinary phenomenon” that showcased the unbelievable goodwill of West Australians.
“For almost 60 years now, Telethon has reflected the very best of the west,” Mr Albanese said.
“The kindness and compassion of the people of WA and also that famous West Australian determination — the willingness to get involved, dig deep and make a positive difference to the lives of children and families most in need of support.
“One way of measuring of Telethon’s remarkable success is the fact that you’ve raised more than $600 million for people in need — meaning this is the highest-donating telethon, per capita, in the world.
“An even more meaningful measure is to think of the lives those funds have changed.”
The Prime Minister praised the courage of the Little Telethon Stars that capture the hearts of West Aussies year after year, reminiscing on a few of his own past Telethon experiences.
“Courageous, cheerful children like Emily, Sophia, Harrison and Connor, who I had the privilege of meeting with last year,” Mr Albanese said.
“And Ari who, the year before, talked me into wearing pyjamas for the broadcast.
“The pyjamas were fine, it was the bloke who appeared on set wearing the mankini that worried me.”
Mr Albanese said “the stars of Telethon” were facing some of the toughest circumstances imaginable with challenges “that no child, no family, should have to face.” .
“But you wouldn’t know it from speaking with them. Their joy, humour and optimism shine through,” he said.
“It’s always an honour to meet with people who Telethon supports.”
Mr Albanese said he was proud to be committing $6m to Telethon “on behalf of all Australians” and thanked the organisers, volunteers, business community and all those who have donated or contributed to the cause.
“I want to also give a shout out to the doctors, nurses and staff who look after these wonderful young Australians,” he said.
“This is a big State with an even bigger heart — and I’m sure this year’s Telethon will be the best yet.”
It was a sentiment shared by Premier Roger Cook, whose own speech described “a few key aspects of life here in the west that we collectively share — that make us uniquely Western Australian”.
“You get your evening news from Rick and Sue,” he said.
“You know what FIFO means. You can use the words “Superpit” and “Spud King” in the same sentence and somehow still make sense.”
And then, with a wry smile: “You are obsessed with telling any visitors from the east that we still receive the lowest share of GST … or maybe that’s just me.
“And of course, you know the unique experience that is Telethon.”
On a more personal note, the Premier spoke of fond memories growing up watching Telethon, “jostling for a position in the lounge room up against six older siblings”.
“Like thousands of other households, Telethon was a big deal in the Cook household,” he said.
“My dad Hugh was the local doctor and a child psychologist. My mum Lynette was an early childhood educator.
“So, when it came to the health and wellbeing of children — they were at the coalface.
“They saw first-hand the tragedy of childhood illness. But they also saw first-hand how medical research, early diagnosis and quality services can have life-changing outcomes for vulnerable kids and their families.
“It’s up to all of us to keep striving — to keep donating — towards better outcomes.”
Mr Cook spoke proudly of Telethon’s incredible achievements since its inception in 1968, including new medical breakthroughs and advancements.
“Our understanding of many illnesses and their treatments has advanced at an astonishing rate,” he said.
“And we have an incredible talent pool of medical researchers in WA that are working towards cures and treatments every day.
“The advancement of childhood health in Western Australia is — in no small part — thanks to Telethon.”
While the ball attendees were just getting started, the stars, the crew, the volunteers and caterers had already been preparing for hours behind the scenes at RAC Arena.
Little Telethon Stars Florence Shanks, Nazeem Fahmi, Charlee Hosking and Nate Fearnall enjoyed a taste of the celebrity lifestyle, getting their hair and make-up done before their small screen debuts.
There was also a special guest visitor in Emma Memma who took photos and spoke with the four about their own journey and prepared them for their impending TV bows.
Rows and rows of phones and laptops were perfectly lined up at the PerthNow Call Centre, the calm before the storm, ready to field thousands of calls and donations over the next 26 hours of giving.
Human Nature had a final rehearsal to keep their moves and tunes in sync, with return performer Phil Burton leading the charge.
“This is my third Telethon in a row, but the last few years I’ve been on my own — this time I brought my posse, which is just brilliant,” he said.
Off-stage, microphone packs and in-ear headphones were lined up and ready to go in preparation for the opening number.
Caterers wheeled trolleys stacked with food through backstage halls, as back-up dancers ran through last-minute moves.
But before the doors to RAC Arena even opened, the excitement had reached fever-pitch outside as hundreds of buzzing fans lined up ahead of the bonanza.
Decked out in their best pyjamas and carrying Fat Cat teddies, West Aussie parents were among those who said they were most excited to teach their children about generosity and the gift of giving.
Aunty Olivia Blazevich said she loved Telethon for its positive, happy vibes and that she hoped the takeaway for her niece and nephew would be the gift of giving.
“They should learn to always look after everyone and always donate as much as you can, a little bit goes a long way,” Ms Blazevich said.
For Samantha Wardell it was her first year attending Telethon as a mother, bringing her two children Sophia and Tate with her to carry on the family tradition.
“Just seeing my kids experience what I watched as a kid. I’m excited for them to see the excitement and see what it’s all about,” Ms Wardell said.
Telethon hits close to home for the Wardell family — Tate was in and out of hospital as a young child due to a kidney reflux condition.
“My son has been in hospital a number of times when he was younger, so it’s nice for them to see what goes on behind the scenes sometimes and the hard work that goes into making sure these kids get the care they need,” Ms Wardell said.
“I just feel like it brings everyone together and it’s a nice community environment and a nice feeling.”
Sophia and Tate said they were most excited to see Guy Sebastian, while Ms Wardell was a huge fan of “anything” Home and Away.
Kelly Dalglish, who had volunteered in the phone room in the past, also brought her daughters Lexi and Lola to the event for the first time.
“Now they’re old enough to understand it, that’s why I’m bringing them,” Ms Dalglish said.
“I’m excited for them more than anything to be involved.
“They’ve all got their bit of money to donate, so I’m excited for them to experience that gift of giving because it’s an important part, teaching them that there’s others less fortunate.”
Ms Dalglish also said she loved that Telethon was uniquely WA.
“We do it really well and we look after our own.”
Lexi and Lola said they were most excited to donate, dance, and, again, catch a glimpse of Sebastian.
Melissa Kopp and her daughter Hayley said Telethon was a cause close to their heart, they attend every year.
“When my nephew was 14 he actually passed away from leukaemia, so it’s a big cause for us,” Ms Kopp said.
“It feels awesome to be here, it’s a good cause.”
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