Western Australian children to benefit from Cook Government donation
Will fund vital equipment, services and programs, and medical research, improving access to care for children across WA
Donation made on behalf of every Western Australian
The Cook Government has acknowledged Western Australians' spirit of generosity - boosting Telethon's 2025 haul with a record $14 million donation.
The donation, made on behalf of every Western Australian, will help support the State's sickest children and their families.
The funds will not only help deliver vital equipment services and programs for Western Australia's brave little fighters, but will boost life-changing medical research that could ultimately help children across the country and the world.
Telethon has been embraced by Western Australians since its inception more than 50 years ago - raising more than $688 million since it launched on our television screens in 1968.
The State Government has been a significant donor to Telethon over several years. This has enabled the much-loved children's charity to support a growing number of beneficiaries, which in 2025 has increased to 161.
In 2025, Telethon funded 305 grants. This includes 212 program grants, 41 research grants, and 3,924 pieces of equipment.
This year's donation is the fifth successive year the State Government has delivered a record donation on behalf of Western Australians.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government's record donation to Telethon is from all Western Australians - an acknowledgement of the generosity that's been on display since Telethon launched on our screens more than half a century ago.
"Every child should have access to the care they need, no matter where they live.
"Whether it's helping to deliver vital equipment, specialist programs or life-changing medical research, this money will help sick children and their families for years to come.
"Western Australians are a generous bunch, and it makes me so proud to see so many people open their hearts and their wallets for Telethon.
"Telethon is an institution and has been embraced by all of us. I'm sure we all have a memory of making a call to the Telethon phone room or asking our parents to do it on our behalf, and it's great to see this legacy living on today."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Generations of Western Australians have grown up watching Telethon, and generations have also benefited from its enormous legacy.
"Year after year, Western Australians give generously to support children and their families navigating impossible health challenges.
"These selfless donations go towards our shared goal of improving healthcare for children across the State, now and into the future."
