Australian rock royalty is coming to Telethon.
Jimmy Barnes will travel to WA to perform at the Sunday evening finale of the muchloved television fundraiser, which takes place from October 21-22, to encourage everyone to give generously to help the State’s sick kids.
Barnes will take to the stage alongside daughter Mahalia Barnes to close out the weekend extravaganza at RAC Arena.
Telethon supports 107 children’s charities across WA thanks to the donations raised — which hit a record $71.4 million last year — to help build a better and brighter future for sick children. Barnes has been a big supporter of Telethon, but this will be his first appearance in 15 years, having previously been here in 2003, 2004 and 2009.
The 67-year-old will round out an incredible weekend of entertainment, which includes performances by disco diva Marcia Hines, along with Russell Morris and the dazzling Rhonda Burchmore.
Children’s favourite, and former Wiggle, Emma Watkins, who now performs as Emma Memma, will make a special appearance as will ventriloquist and comedian David Strassman, Human Nature’s Phil Burton, social media sensations the Rybka Twins, and father-daughter TikTok stars Ben and Zara.
And, as always, this year’s Telethon will be filled with laughter, unscripted moments, and panels featuring some of your favourite stars.
Joining the line-up will be much-loved presenter Dr Chris Brown, SAS Australia’s chief instructor Ant Middleton, Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, and Better Homes and Gardens presenters Dr Harry Cooper, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love.
Perth locals Rove McManus, actress Tasma Walton and parenting author Maggie Dent are also set to make an appearance, along with Home and Away favourites including Lynne McGranger, Matt Evans, Adam Rowland, as well as the 7NEWS team, and a huge host of sports and radio personalities.
And that’s not to forget the real stars of the show — the Little Telethon Stars.
Connor Barrett, Emily Houston, Harrison Carthew and Sophia Marshall, pictured left, will bring their indefatigable spirit and zest for life to the stage next month as Telethon looks to eclipse the 2022 fundraising record.
The countdown to the 56th Telethon is on and you can be part of the live audience to help make a positive difference to the lives of children in need.
Tickets for the opening and closing shows are only $30 and are available now through Ticketek at telethon7.com/ tickets.
The broadcast can be watched live from RAC Arena outside of the opening and closing show times for a gold coin donation between 10.30pm on the Saturday and 5pm on the Sunday.
First published by The West Australian online here.