Telethon: WA primary school students sing in special performance

A massive spectacle unfolded in the heart of Perth when nearly 1400 West Aussie children came together to sing and dance, all in the name of helping kids who are most in need.

Students from more than 40 primary schools across the State delivered a rendition of Guy Sebastian’s Choir to celebrate Telethon and bring to life the theme for this year’s fundraiser; “Incredible Together”.

Getting the choir together was a logistical mission that was months in the making, with every school in the Perth metropolitan area descending on Elizabeth Quay last week, transforming the boardwalk into a sea of colour from different uniforms.

Harmony Primary School students Isabelle Gerhard and Ella Johnston were among the kids excited to be singing for Telethon.

“I like to sing, it just makes me happy,” Ella said.

“It’s good doing it for a nice reason, too, and it’s just fun at the end of the day to spend lots of time with your friends.

“We’ve helped all the kids who are sick and struggle when they’re in hospital so it feels good giving back to them,” Isabelle added.

The atmosphere was electric as the young stars eagerly awaited their cue and the arrival of Fat Cat sent excitement levels into overdrive.

He was on hand to dish out high-fives and hugs, making his way through the heaving crowd.

And then it was go time.

The rousing performance was a powerful reminder and a true demonstration of the collective power of West Australians — who come together every year for Telethon.

And before the rendition some of the school choirs even got the chance to have their voices recorded at Crank Recording in Northbridge, including Subiaco, Bull Creek, and Hammond Park primary schools.

A video of the performance will also feature choirs belting out the hit from Karratha and Northampton to Albany and Mt Barker and even on Rottnest Island.

Sebastian, who is performing at Telethon this weekend, said he could not wait to come to Perth for the event.

“Telethon is a celebration of the incredible spirit of Western Australians coming together for its people,” he said.

“It’s about making life better for our sickest and most vulnerable children — when we unite, we are unstoppable.

“I am so happy to join other incredible Australian talents to make a difference.”

Premier Roger Cook witnessed the sensational performance from the primary school students, saying this Telethon was going to be “bigger and better”.

“It’s great to be here with the energy and it’s just really exciting to be here to see 1000 kids at Elizabeth Quay all singing and dancing together,” he said.

“It’s a reminder for everyone to get on board to support Telethon.”

The choir video is available on Telethon’s Facebook page and will be broadcast on Telethon weekend, which takes place over 26 hours on October 19 and 20.