Albanese Government delivers $6 million to Telethon

18 Oct 2026

Released by Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister

MediaRelease.co Summary

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $6 million Commonwealth commitment to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for 2026, supporting children's health and wellbeing. Telethon, a 26-hour televised appeal in Western Australia, has raised more than $778 million over almost 60 years. Funds from the 2026 appeal will back 147 beneficiaries, 199 programs and services, 297 grants, 38 research projects and over 3,000 pieces of equipment. Federal support for Telethon now totals $30 million across five years.

Original release

The Albanese Government has committed $6 million to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust for 2026 to help improve the health and wellbeing of Australian babies and children.

Telethon is an annual televised fundraising appeal in Western Australia and is broadcast live for 26 hours.

For almost six decades, Telethon has raised more than $778 million for sick and disadvantaged children in Western Australia.

Funds raised through the 2026 Telethon will support 147 beneficiaries, 199 programs and services, 297 grants, 38 research projects and more than 3,000 pieces of equipment.

This year’s Commonwealth commitment brings the Government’s total support for Telethon to $30 million over the past five years.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I can think of no better cause to support on my 46th visit to Western Australia as Prime Minister than the Channel 7 Perth Telethon.

“For almost 60 years, Telethon has brought Western Australians together to give children a brighter, healthier future.

“The Australian Government is proud to help Telethon continue its support for groundbreaking research projects and essential equipment purchases for hospitals and health services

“This important community initiative is making a real difference in the lives of children.

“Last year’s Telethon broke all previous records, with more than $90 million raised. Let’s all get together to make this year an even greater success – every donation, big or small, makes a difference.”

Key details

Issued by
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
Published
18 Oct 2026
Publisher country
Australia
Subject country/region
Western Australia (Australia)

Source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/albanese-government-delivers-6-million-telethon

MediaRelease.co ID: mr02072 · Markdown

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