This is the largest fundraising weekend on the Washington State calendar, and we have one main goal – to make a difference in the lives of sick children.
Telethon 2023, the 56th year of the beloved event, kicks off at the RAC Arena in Perth CBD on Saturday at 7pm.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: One more nap before the 2023 Perth Telethon begins.
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Among the big names coming to town to support the fundraising giant are Australian rock king Jimmy Barnes, music icon Marcia Hines, former Wiggle Emma Watkins, who now performs as Emma Memma, ventriloquist and comedian David Strassman and Phil Burton from Human Nature.
They will be joined by SAS Australia Chief Instructor Ant Middleton, Sunrise presenters Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies from The Morning Show, and popular presenter Dr Chris Brown.
And it wouldn’t be Telethon without Telethon’s Little Stars: Connor, Sofia, Harrison and Emily.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Perth and said he was ready for the big weekend.
“I’m so excited to be in Washington this weekend because of course it’s Telethon weekend and you can feel the real excitement here as Washington does what other states used to do but don’t do anymore – come together in common interest to raise money to help sick children and their families.
“So as we kick off this weekend, a big shout out to everyone involved in the telethon and an encouragement to dig deeper.”
WA’s generous spirit was already evident on Friday with various challenges and impressive fundraising efforts.
Telethon 2023 will take place from 21 to 22 October and will include 26 hours of continuous entertainment broadcast live on channels 7 and 7plus.
The family-friendly Telethon festival, including rides, face painting and a livestock farm, will also return to Wellington Street.
Telethon was founded in 1968 and currently supports 107 charities and beneficiaries across Western Australia.
Record year
Last year, a record $71.4 million was donated to improve the health and well-being of children across the state.
The annual fundraiser is one of the largest in the world, with more than $528 million raised over the past 55 years.
For more information about the event, visit Telethon7.