October 23, 2023 -- The spirit of generosity across WA was on show again over the weekend as the Channel 7 Telethon weekend raised a phenomenal record $77.5 million for sick children.

Established in 1968, Telethon is now the most successful TV fundraiser anywhere in the world. 

Thanks to the entire Seven West Media WA team – from The West Australian, PerthNow, 30 regional and suburban newspapers and Streamer, as well as an army of volunteers across the State all co-ordinated by the Telethon staff – Telethon has now raised a total of more than $600 million over the decades to ensure a better future for our kids.

Held on Saturday and Sunday at RAC Arena, the 26-hour live event was broadcast on Channel 7 in WA and 7plus nationally. 

Among the stars who helped raised funds were Australian music legends Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines from Seven’s Australian Idol and The Voice 2023 winner Tarryn Stokes. 

A roster of Seven talent also helped dig deep including Dr Chris Brown; Sunrise co-hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington; SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton; The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, Better Homes and Gardens’ Charlie Albone; Home and Away favourites including Lynne McGranger, Matt Evans, Juliet Godwin, Stephanie Panozzo, Luke Van Os and Adam Rowland; 7NEWS Spotlight’s Liam Bartlett; and many more. 

7NEWS’ Perth team were also out in force, including Susannah Carr, Rick Ardon, Basil Zempilas, Adrian Barich, Ryan Daniels, Matt Tinney, Sam Jolly, Angela Tsun and Tim McMillan. 

It was the 14th time that Mr Zempilas has hosted Telethon.

In 2023, more kids, schools, sporting clubs and community groups from Perth and regional WA participated in fundraising than ever before as part of this year's Telethon Challenge Yourself campaign. 

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes, AC said: “I am incredibly proud of this year’s Telethon Weekend fundraising efforts and the tremendous support and generosity on display from the WA community.

“The year-on-year success of Telethon is thanks to the amazing community participation on show where everyone comes together to help and support children in need, and I am so pleased that Channel 7 has been involved in this most worthy cause since it started in 1968. 

“Watching young kids helping and supporting other kids doing it tough inspires us all and is the reason why Telethon is an integral part of the WA community. Together, we’re creating a future filled with hope and opportunity for sick and disadvantaged children,” he said. 

“A big thanks to everyone who plays a role in making Telethon a success year after year – from school kids and communities across the State, to generous philanthropists, the business sector and the State and Federal Governments.” 

Donations can still be help make a positive impact on the lives of children in need: Telethon 2023 (grassrootz.com)

For further information, please contact:

Rob Sharpe
Head of Corporate Communications
M: 0437 928 884
E: rsharpe@seven.com.au

About the Seven Network

The Seven Network is part of Seven West Media (ASX: SWM), one of Australia’s most prominent media companies, with a market-leading presence in content production across broadcast television, publishing and digital. The Seven Network alone reaches more than 17 million people a month. 

The company is home to some of Australia’s most renowned media businesses, including the Seven Network and its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo; broadcast video on demand platform 7plus; 7NEWS.com.au; The West Australian; and The Sunday Times. The Seven Network is home of Australia’s most loved news, sport and entertainment programming. Its iconic brands include Australia’s leading news and public affairs programs 7NEWS, 7NEWS Spotlight, Sunrise and The Morning Show, The Voice, Home and Away, Dancing With The Stars, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, Big Brother, SAS Australia, Farmer Wants A Wife, The Chase Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, RFDS, The 1% Club and the TV WEEK Logie Awards. Seven Network is also the broadcast partner of the AFL, Cricket Australia and Supercars.