UPDATES: WA’s biggest weekend of generosity is here, with Telethon 2026 set to bring 26 hours of non-stop entertainment, heartwarming stories and incredible fundraising efforts.
Some of Australia’s biggest stars will join beloved television personalities, performers and everyday West Australians as the State comes together to raise millions of dollars for sick children.
Follow our live blog for all the latest updates, special guests, emotional moments, fundraising milestones and surprises as Telethon 2026 unfolds.
And most importantly, you can donate still by phoning 1300 737 507 or by clicking here. to be part of the state-wide fundraising effort to help make the lives of sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children and their families much brighter.
Key Events
Minderoo Matching Hour doubles every Telethon donation
The Minderoo Matching Hour is underway, with Nicola and Andrew Forrest pledging to match every donation made over the next hour, doubling the impact of West Australians’ generosity during Telethon 2026.
First panel of the night reflects on magic of Telethon
7News star Ryan Daniels has kicked off the first panel of the night, alongside Home & Away actor Kyle Shilling, Kylie Gillies, Sally Bowrey and Issa Schulz.
Sally Bowrey said seeing thousands in the crowd proved Telethon brings together so many people.
“There was a moment where I just looked out, saw everyone waving together and it just shows how Telethon brings the State together and the country together.”
Olivia street’s adorable love heart signal
Little Telethon star Olivia Street, who told Natalie Barr that her favourite part of the preparation was going to Mecca, did an adorbale love heart signal which was ehcoed by the audience and the panel onstage.
Little Telethon stars arrive
The 2026 Little Telethon stars have officially arrived at RAC Arena!
Aiden Narsico, Olivia Street and Paige McKay are speaking to Natalie Barr and Larry Emdur in their first interview of the night.
In a hilarious “breaking news” moment, Aiden revealed “Larry Emdur is getting old and needs to retire”, leaving the crowd in stitches.
Crowd go wild for Phil Burton and Colletti duet
Phil Burton then returned to the stage for his own take on John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice which saw the crowd sing along.
Then, Gisella Colletti joined him to round out Telethon 2026’s opening performances, bringing the crowd to life for the weekend ahead.
WA superstar takes to the stage with choir
Perth singer Gisella Colletti, who finished third on Australian Idol in 2025, has to the Telethon stage.
Incredible vocals echoed through RAC arena alongside a choir for a stirring rendition of John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice.
Country music sensation Morgan Evans takes to stage
Aussie country music star Morgan Evans has taken to the stage to sing his famous hit Kiss Somebody.
The 41-year-old has the crowd singing along and getting involved by waving their phone torch to the love song.
Jessica Mauboy and Phil Burton kick off show
Jessica Mauboy and Phil Burton have kicked off Telethon 2026 with an energetic performance of the disco classic Good Times,
They both danced around the stage in striking black outfits, setting the tone for a weekend of entertainment and fundraising.
Crowds at RAC Arena bursting with excitement
The stage is set and anticipation has officially reached fever pitch as the 59th annual Telethon kicks off.
RAC Arena opened to the public at 5.45pm, allowing hundreds of giddy fans waiting in the Wellington Street forecourt to stream inside ahead of the televised fundraising extravaganza.
The Lotterywest Kids Carnival, opposite RAC Arena, is expected to draw huge crowds, offering up free carnival rides, sideshow games and classic show bags without parents having to break the bank.
The Little Telethon Stars ready to shine
The 2026 Little Telethon Stars have been treated like celebrities in the lead up to this year’s event. Karrinyup Shopping Centre became their personal runway this week for a styling experience with stylist Natalie Dignam.
7-year-old Olivia Street, who lives with collagen VI myopathy and scoliosis dazzled in a gorgeous pink dress.
9-year-old Aiden Narsico who has a rare genetic condition affecting his autonomic nervous system looked very dapper in his new suit.
8-year-old Paige McKay who has a pilocytic astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, chose a pink dress and sparkly wrap for the closing ceremony.
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