Editorial: Telethon is Western Australia at our very best

The story of Telethon is one about which we can all be proud.

Since it began in 1968, the fundraiser has notched up a staggering tally of more than $778 million for sick West Australian kids.

Just last year alone, a record $90,160,275 was raised.

This newspaper has been proud to share some of the stories of the help Telethon has offered to children and their families.

The courage and resilience they show during even the toughest times is inspiring and deeply moving.

And it is part of the reason the stars who come to Perth for Telethon keep coming back.

And while they are here, they ensure the Telethon weekend brings us first-class entertainment.

This Telethon is no exception.

The iconic 26-hour live broadcast will air across Channel 7 and 7plus.

Chart-topping musicians, AFL premiership royalty and television favourites are among the star-studded list for this year.

Leading the marathon fundraising effort’s TV coverage is 7NEWS Perth sports director and chief football reporter Ryan Daniels, who said the annual event was one of the most important in the State.

“Telethon is the heartbeat of Western Australia,” Daniels said.

“We are so lucky to be part of this great, uniting thing.

“From kids selling lemonade or donating pocket money, to the million dollar corporate partners — an entire community embraces it.

“Telethon doesn’t just happen — it’s decades of energy and commitment, it’s generational kindness. That’s why it’s so unique,” he said.

“I’m expecting to laugh, to cry, to raise a lot of money for our most vulnerable children and families — and hopefully, another Telethon record!”

Telethon officially launches at 7pm on Saturday with an opening show that includes entertainment from Jessica Mauboy, Morgan Evans, Rogue Traders (Natalie Bassingthwaighte), Kate Miller-Heidke and Reece Mastin.

The weekend, including Sunday’s Family Festival that will shut down Wellington Street to traffic, also includes appearances from Channel 7’s biggest stars, popular children’s entertainers The Wiggles and Emma Memma and WWE global megastars AJ Styles and Nattie, among others

The free Family Festival, presented by Coles, runs 10am – 4pm along Wellington Street from RAC Arena to Yagan Square.

The area will be transformed into a buzzing festival playground — packed with unlimited free rides, live performances, interactive activities, delicious food and fun surprises for kids and grown-ups alike.

The festival adds another element to what is a truly unique West Australian event.

It has become a weekend to mark on the calendar.

And a weekend which showcases, year after year, the generosity of West Australians.

So make sure you get involved and enjoy the entertainment on offer.

Your generosity could not go to a better cause.

Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by Editor-in-Chief Christopher Dore