How can you help?
The Channel 7 Telethon Trust, known commonly as Telethon, is an annual telethon established in 1968 by philanthropist Sir James Cruthers and Brian Treasure. It is produced by Channel 7 Perth, a television network in Western Australia. Funds raised through Telethon is currently granted to 161 beneficiaries, all united with a mission to improve the health and well-being of children in Western Australia. It’s the highest donating Telethon (per capita) in the world, with it surpassing A$688 million in total in 2024.
The televised event runs continuously for 26 hours across metropolitan and regional Western Australia on Channel 7 and 7plus (nationally). Held in October, it aims to raise funds for its beneficiaries through donations from individuals and corporations, as well as special fundraising events held throughout the year.
Each year, a group of children is chosen to represent all those who benefit from the funds raised. Since 2010, these children have been known as the ‘Little Telethon Stars’.
Talent from Seven Network shows such as Home and Away, 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Chase Australia, Better Homes & Gardens, Sunday Night, and more – travel to Western Australia for Telethon Weekend to entertain the audience, visit sick children at Perth Children’s Hospital, take phone calls, and take part in the 26-hour broadcast marathon.
In addition, music guests are also a big part of the weekend. Over the years, performers during Telethon have included Sir Cliff Richard, Harry Connick Jr., Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Julian Lennon, Sammy Davis Jr., and Celine Dion. In recent years, past finalists from Australian Idol have also made appearances during the event, joining local acts and sporting stars.
Michael Jackson appeared on the 1985 Telethon as part of a deal with Western Australian millionaire Robert Holmes à Court (who owned the television station at the time) to acquire ATV Music Publishing. Jackson could not perform due to contractual reasons, but he spoke briefly and met the two “Little Telethon Stars”.
The Telethon Trust is proud to help fund 161 beneficiaries through over 300 grants, supporting vital services, community programs, pioneering medical research, and providing specialised equipment for sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children across Western Australia. When you donate to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, 100% of your contribution goes directly towards funding grants for beneficiaries that support these children. CLICK HERE to view our latest impact report.
The Channel 7 Telethon Trust is a registered charity, governed by a Board of Trustees. Telethon has a small team that operates all year round and is based at Newspaper House in Osborne Park, Perth. Telethon exists on a day to day basis because of the generosity of Seven West Media including Channel Seven Perth, The West Australian, The Sunday Times and Perthnow. All providing the Trust with tangible and intangible support through infrastructure, facilities, service and professional advice. Plus there are numerous other companies who donate time, resources and equipment to help us keep our costs to an absolute minimum across each year.
The Trust is a Western Australian based not for profit charity and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in Australia and as such all donors are entitled to a tax receipt and a full tax deduction for donations over $2.