Leeuwin lunch 2026: Record-breaking $8.2 million raised for Telethon at Lunch On Swan
Sunday’s Telethon Lunch at the Leeuwin Swan saw the generous chamber collectively raise a record-breaking $8.2 million, a figure boosted by a last-minute anonymous donation of $4 million.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on the Swan River, the room was filled with the warmth of Telethon’s most generous supporters opening their hearts and wallets for a single, common cause – to help WA’s sick children.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when teenager Tia Scott sat before WA’s leading business leaders and philanthropists and shared the story of her harrowing five-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
The 18-year-old, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at just 12 years old, underwent 800 blood tests, more than 190 scans and 13 surgical procedures. She did this with unimaginable strength and inspiring grace.
His powerful words moved the room to tears, and he then took immediate action.
Major commitments met included a nationally first $1 million Adolescent and Youth Cancer Service, launched with a $400,000 donation from BHP’s Tim Day.
“Tia gave a fantastic speech today, she was frank, genuine and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, it was clear this was something that meant a lot to us,” Mr Day said.
“They need a million dollars to do it, so we thought we were stepping into that space, and the least we could do was $400,000.”
The remaining $600,000 was covered in just three minutes, thanks to joint pledges from the Wen Family and Hawaiian, former governor Malcolm McCusker and wife Tonya, Maddington Toyota’s Paul Davies and wife Kelly, Audi Center’s Bronte Howson and wife Colleen, Matador Capital boss Grant Davey and Alcoa vice president Elsabe Muller.
“I met Tia today, she spoke so eloquently, she spoke from the heart, it’s such a scary thing and I’m so proud of her,” Mr Davies said.
“It broke my heart, but I’m happy I paid.”
More than 180 guests arrived at the yacht club early to enjoy a high-energy performance by Motown’s sensational The 60 Four before taking their seats in the ballroom for lunch.
While the event marked a departure from its traditional location at the Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River, the spirit of generosity remained fully intact.
Determined to be deeply involved as in previous years, the Horgan family continued their long-standing support of the Telethon by generously donating Leeuwin Estate wines for the occasion.
They also provided two major auction items and a raffle prize.
The star-studded event was hosted by Channel 7’s Charlotte Goodlet and Ryan Daniels, while veteran broadcaster Mark Readings led a competitive live auction.
Ahead of the main Telethon weekend, one of the leading charity events on the WA social calendar, guests were excited and eager to put their shovels away.
Mr. Davey took on this responsibility without hesitation, purchasing critical equipment directly from the beneficiaries’ wish list.
Before Daniels could even finish explaining, he snagged a $120,000 Retinal Fundus Camera and purchased the entire 10 Camp Quality family vacation package.
During the live auction Mr Davey also gained experience of an AFL Grand Final, but quickly sent it back to auction. It sold a second time, reaching $65,000.
Mr Davey also won the grand raffle prize, an Audi S3 Sportback, and incredibly donated the car to the Telethon, raising a further $100,000.
Prominent Western businessman Alf Barbagallo set the room on fire when he successfully bid for a private Nobu dinner for 10 people with the Prime Minister.
Telethon supporters Dean and Jo Rullo and Tad and Margaret Watroba constantly raised their shovels throughout the auction.
The bespoke Varm Premium Sauna proved to be the most discussed luxury product on the list. It was eventually acquired by Navitas CEO Scott Jones.
As the luncheon drew to a close, WA’s leading philanthropists and Telethon Trustees Kerry Stokes and Christine Simpson-Stokes, along with Trustees Tim Roberts and McCusker, each generously donated $250,000.
Other major donors who gave generously included Steve and Susie Gulvin, NRW Holdings CEO Jules Pemberton and wife Alesha, Regent Motors owner Tyson Sutton and wife Naomi, Rod and Carol Jones, Rory and Rhoda Vassallo, Tim and Linda Goyder, Sunil and Monika Narula, Sandfire Resources chief Brendan Harris and wife Jade and Julie Drago, and Russell James.
Elizabeth Perron of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation was extremely generous in supporting the day.
The spectacular afternoon culminated with a surprise performance by WA-born pop star Samantha Jade and a spectacular fireworks display by Telethon’s beloved icon, Fat Cat.
Over the past six years, Leeuwin Lunch has raised $32.7 million, cementing its status as one of Telethon’s top fundraising powerhouses.
Telethon supports 147 beneficiaries under 297 grants in 2026. This year’s Telethon Weekend will take place at the RAC Arena on 17 and 18 October.
