Western Australia raises record $2 million at 2026 Telethon for sick kids
West Australians raised a record $2 million for sick kids at the 26-hour Telethon.
More than 100,000 everyday Western Aussies poured into Wellington Street and RAC Arena for Telethon 2026, raising a record $2 million for sick children through marathons, school fundraisers, and community events.
Australia's backyard ultra-marathon king Phil Gore became the highest individual fundraiser with $301,093, while AFL legend Kane Cornes ran two marathons in five days and raised $650,268 with corporate backing from CommBank.
Mindarie Primary School topped school fundraising with $32,202, with students earning the prize of sliming their principal on live broadcast. Regional schools from Albany and Denmark drove five hours to present cheques totalling over $21,000.
Former Perth Wildcat Greg Hire rode 147 kilometres from Perth to Maroorah, back overnight, then pedalled on a stationary bike for eight hours, raising $150,000. Aviation firefighters completed a 24-hour treadmill walk in full 20kg gear, and Healthy Strides held a record-breaking Moveathon raising $47,409.
- $2 million
- Record total raised
- 26 hours
- Telethon duration
- 100,000+ people
- Attendance
- $301,093
- Phil Gore raised
Why it mattersThe record fundraising shows the strength of community giving in Western Australia and demonstrates broad public commitment to supporting children's health and wellbeing.
AustraliaWest Australian children in hospital will benefit from the record donation, supporting treatment and care at a major children's health facility in Perth.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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