Channel 7 Telethon 2026 raises record-breaking $101,277,705 for WA children – Western Australia has done it again. The 59th Channel 7 Telethon has raised a record-breaking $101,277,705 for children and families in need, as the generosity of Western Australians was on full display over the weekend.
It is the first time the Channel 7 Telethon total has passed $100 million. The new record is more than $11 million above last year’s record-breaking $90 million total.
Over 26 hours of live broadcasting from RAC Arena in Perth, the Seven Network’s biggest stars joined some of Australia’s most loved performers and the West Australian community. Together, they created an extraordinary celebration of generosity, entertainment and community spirit.
How Western Australia built a $101 million Channel 7 Telethon
The Telethon broadcast is the culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising by schools, community groups, businesses and families across Western Australia. According to Telethon, fundraising efforts grew significantly this year.
- $25 million from the Telethon Ball, Telethon’s signature event for business and community leaders
- $6 million donated by the Federal Government
- $649,013 raised by 7 commentator and former AFL great Kane Cornes, who ran two marathons in five days
- A buzzing call centre all weekend, as West Australians lined up to donate and speak with their favourite stars
Cornes took on his biggest physical challenge yet for the cause. Meanwhile, the call centre helped drive a significant contribution to the final total.
The little Telethon stars
This year’s little Telethon stars, Aiden, Olivia and Paige, were at the heart of the weekend. They shared their stories and reminded audiences of the children and families at the centre of Telethon.
Kerry Stokes and Richard Goyder thank WA
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.
Kerry Stokes AC, Telethon Trustee
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.
Richard Goyder AO, Telethon Chair
Prime Minister and Premier praise the record
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.
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
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.
Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia
Seven West Media: ‘Incredible Together’
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. Dedicated staff and volunteers work alongside the Telethon team to bring the event to life.
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.
Maryna Fewster, Seven West Media CEO and Telethon Trustee
Where the Telethon money goes
Since its inception in 1968, Telethon has raised more than $879 million. That money funds medical research into childhood diseases, essential equipment, critical services and life-changing opportunities for children living with illness, disability and disadvantage across Western Australia.
In 2026, Telethon has supported 147 beneficiary organisations through grants for services, programs, equipment, research and opportunities for children. As a result, money raised this year will continue that important support in 2027.
Inside the 26-hour Channel 7 Telethon broadcast
The 59th Telethon was broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus nationally. It shared the stories of Telethon children, and the generosity behind the event, with audiences across Australia.
The 7NEWS Perth team, led by Tim McMillan, Angela Tsun, Susannah Carr, Rick Ardon, Ryan Daniels, Samantha Jolly and Adrian Barich, was central to the broadcast. Colleagues across the newsroom supported them.
In addition, a star-studded Seven Network line-up included Natalie Barr, Matt Shirvington, Larry Emdur, Kylie Gillies, Johanna Griggs, Brian Taylor, Kane Cornes, Mel McLaughlin and Home and Away stars.
The broadcast also featured performances from Jessica Mauboy, Kate Miller-Heidke, Morgan Evans, Rogue Traders, The Ten Tenors, The 60 Four and Mark Vincent. Sporting stars and community figures also appeared.
For more TV Central Channel 7 news, head here. To find out more about Telethon, visit Telethon.