Telethon 2024: Australia’s corporate and political heavyweights dig deep for Telethon

Australia’s corporate and political heavyweights have dug deep to drive Perth’s Telethon to a mammoth fundraising total, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heaping praise on WA’s generosity.

As the donation tally neared a record-breaking amount, prominent philanthropists, miners and other significant companies joined with both the State and Federal governments and thousands of West Aussies to donate millions to children’s health research.

Premier Roger Cook, who announced a bumper State Government contribution of $13 million, said he was proud of the generosity during the “quintessentially West Australian” event.

“We know at the moment there’s cost of living pressures on everyone, but Western Australians have done what they’ve always done, which is given with their heart and maximum generosity and what’s been so pleasing is that this is about kids helping kids,” Mr Cook said.

“We love our big corporates donating and making sure that we get those new records, but it’s also the kids looking out for kids.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of Western Australians. As I said, some people are facing tough times at the moment, and everyone’s continued to care and show that compassion for kids who are less well off. So we’re being touched by that.”

Announcing the Federal Government’s contribution of $6m, the Prime Minister said support was important for the world-record fundraiser — the largest per capita Telethon in the world — because the research funded was universal.

“That’s a recognition of the work that’s done here to help the whole nation through research and everything else so it’s appropriate that the Australian Government play our part,” he said.

“People are so generous, whether it’s giving their pocket money, or the money from the piggy bank, or whether it’s people who could afford more giving more, people are incredibly generous. They are incredible.

“Your generosity in this state is extraordinary.”

In a surprise visit to the PerthNow phone room, Mr Albanese said the best part of the event was meeting children who benefitted from Telethon’s fundraising.

“They are so uplifting. They’re full of joy. They’re going through hardship themselves, and their families, and they’re just a joy to spend time with, and they’re so positive and vibrant about life,” he said.

“It makes you recognise that we need to value each other.

“The spirit of the whole of WA and the way that WA pitches in — this is the largest per capita fundraising telethon, not in Australia, in the world. It is extraordinary, and is something that West Australians should be really proud of.”

The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, lead by Elizabeth Perron and her family, donated $8 million — doubling its contribution last year.

Malcolm, Tonya and Carolyn McCusker donated a total of $4.2m.

Announcing a $5.5m contribution, Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott committed the organisation to a five-year partnership with Telethon worth $27.5m — building on $16m since 2020.

“Rio Tinto is delighted to continue its partnership with Channel 7 Telethon, supporting important research and health programs to help improve the wellbeing of children across the state,” Mr Trott said.

“Channel 7 Telethon is an iconic Western Australian charity making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families, and Rio Tinto and our entire workforce are proud to support this wonderful cause.

“We want a better future for all Western Australians and we’re excited our contribution will support important children’s charities.”

BHP Australia president Geraldine Slattery said the company was increasing its annual contribution from $4m to $5.5m from this year.

“BHP has been a proud major partner of Telethon for over 10 years now, and here in Western Australia, that allows us to make a difference to the community, to society, across health and children and family services in a way that just would not be possible if it weren’t for Telethon,” she said.

Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting announced a donation of $2.24m, while Chris Ellison and Mineral Resources said their $ m donation would support several Telethon beneficiaries, including Wheels for Hope.

With the company’s support, Wheels for Hope would be able to buy two new wheelchair-accessible vehicles to lend to families.

“On behalf of all of us at MinRes, I am proud to announce a $2 million donation to Telethon to help children right across our wonderful State,” Mineral Resources people direct Andrea Chapman said.

“We are blown away by Telethon and the inspiring work of beneficiaries such as Wheels for Hope which genuinely change the lives of so many WA families.”

Moved by the story of a family facing a tough diagnosis, Rhonda Wyllie donated $500,000, while the Poli Family initiallt pledged $250,000, before bidding to a total of almost $500,000.

Tim Roberts, a long-standing supporter of Telethon, donated $2.5 million, while investor Laurence Escalante donated $2m.