Star-studded Channel 7 Telethon 2025 breaks records with $90M raised

The generosity and kindness of West Australians was on show over the weekend, with a record-breaking $90,160,275 raised for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children through the 2025 Channel 7 Telethon.

 

Telethon has raised more than $778 million since its inception in 1968 for medical research into childhood diseases, and equipment, critical services and life-changing opportunities to create a brighter future for WA children.

WA family donations over the weekend eclipsed last year, setting a new record for the community. The Telethon Ball, the night of nights for business, politics and community leaders, also broke all records, raising an incredible $21 million on the night, including two 1kg gold bars going together at auction for $1 million.

Telethon Chair Richard Goyder AO said it was inspiring to see the WA community come together with such generosity and dedication throughout the year, culminating in the weekend.

“This spirit of giving has been the heartbeat of Telethon since 1968, and each year it grows stronger,” he said.

“From school fundraisers and lemonade stands to fun challenges and bake sales, we’re seeing an incredible wave of community-led efforts with kids helping other kids in the most inspiring ways.

“Every single dollar raised by our amazing fundraisers goes directly to helping sick children and their families, creating real, lasting change,” Mr Goyder said.

Telethon is proudly championed by the entire Seven West Media, including 7NEWS Perth, The West Australian, PerthNow, The Nightly and 30 regional and suburban newspapers, with dedicated volunteers working with the Telethon team to bring the event to life.

The theme, Incredible Together, captured the spirit of the 58th Telethon Weekend, which was a powerful celebration of compassion, community, and the extraordinary impact Western Australians can make when they unite for a common cause.

This year’s little Telethon stars – Izzy, Jordan, Xavier and Paige – were front and centre throughout the weekend, serving as a powerful reminder of why Telethon exists and the children the community rallies to support.

Seven West Media Chair and Telethon Trustee, Kerry Stokes AC, who announced the final total on air last night, said: “Telethon is more than a fundraiser. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.

“It has changed the outlook of everyone in this state towards disadvantaged people. It’s beyond a charity – it’s the way the state sees itself.”

“Telethon is a tradition that continues to inspire year after year, and it holds a special place in the hearts of all Western Australians,” he said.

Seven West Media WA CEO and Telethon Trustee, Maryna Fewster, said: “Our team is honoured to play a part in Telethon, knowing that every dollar raised helps bring comfort, care and hope to children and families across Western Australia.

“Telethon is a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community, and it continues to be one of the greatest examples of community spirit anywhere in the world.

“I’d like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers, supporters, donors, families and the entire state for a hugely successful Telethon that will make a big difference next year and beyond,” she said.

Throughout 2025, Telethon has been financially supporting 161 children’s charities, beneficiaries and community organisations, and has become the largest charity fundraiser of its kind in the world.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, who handed over a federal government cheque for $6 million yesterday, said the work Telethon supports is “transformational” and a “literal Godsend”.

“For the thousands of kids and families whose lives have been saved and changed for the better because of your generosity, I know there is a heartfelt deep sense of gratitude. Telethon really matters,” he said.

WA Premier Roger Cook, who committed a record $14 million from the state government to the cause, said Telethon is “woven into our lives” and “a reminder of what I love about Western Australia”.

“We are incredibly generous. Telethon proves that we are a giving state … but it is not just a fundraiser, it is a tradition it’s a celebration and a reflection of our values as Western Australians helping those needing it most, showing up and having a bit of fun while we do it.

“Telethon has transformed child health in WA. Every dollar raised helps push the boundaries of what’s possible – it helps WA kids live healthier and happier lives,” he said.