When does Telethon start? What is the number to donate? How to watch? All you need to know for the 2025 event
Fundraising cakes come out of the oven, pocket money is counted and Fat Cat irons his famous red overalls ready for the TV event of the year.
There are only hours left for Telethon, also known as the healthiest program on Australian television.
The massive broadcast will bring together a host of famous faces who will go out of their way to entertain and shake things up to set a fundraising record.
Millions of dollars will be donated from homes and businesses across the country to support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Western Australia.
Generous donations help fund life-changing medical research, vital equipment and essential programs to give WA children the brightest future possible.
Junior Telethon Stars are chosen each year to represent WA children who are helped by money raised by Telethon.
Paige McIllree, Jordan Blair, Izzy Miller and Xavier Summers will be the Junior Telethon Stars of 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of its 2025 release.
What time does it start and how can I watch it?
The telethon kicks off on Channel 7 at 7pm Western Australian time on Saturday 18 October following the news.
The broadcast will continue uninterrupted throughout the night and until Sunday and will end at 20.30. The final figure of the fundraising will be announced at the grand finale.
Where is the Telethon held and how can I participate?
The Telethon is held at the RAC Arena in the Perth CBD.
Tickets for the opening and closing shows are still on sale via Ticketek.
You can also donate gold by watching the artists in the arena between 22.30 on Saturday and 17.00 on Sunday.
Who will take the stage?
Former Boyzone star Ronan Keating, who is also a judge on The Voice Australia, will perform in both the opening and closing shows.
Former Australian Idol contestants Shannon Noll, Rob Mills, Dami Im and Casey Donovan will also appear, along with new star Gisella Colletti. Also performing will be The Ten Tenors, The 60 Four and children’s TV entertainer Emma Memma, formerly of The Wiggles.
The broadcast will feature TV favorites Manu Feildel, Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington, The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, Better Homes and Gardens stars Johanna Griggs, Dr Harry Cooper, Adam Dovile, Charlie Albone and Juliet Love.
Home and Away stars will also attend the broadcast.
What other events will be taking place in WA?
In addition to the broadcast, the Telethon Family Festival will be held at the RAC Arena on Sunday, October 19, between 10.00-16.00.
Carnival rides include the Lotterywest Kids Carnival, which features sideshow games, show bags, and food like popcorn and sizzling sausages.
Events will also be held throughout the city in Yagan Square, Telethon Boulevard and Forrest Place.
A dance party featuring mascots including Fat Cat will be held nearby at Wellington and Milligan Streets in the CBD. There will be a silent disco, dance workshops and artists in Yagan Square.
There will also be face painting on Telethon Boulevard.
A special black tie ball is being held at the Crown Ballroom on Saturday, with some of Australia’s most prominent figures to attend, including Prime Minister Roger Cook and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
What is the number to donate?
You can donate by calling 1300 737 507. Donations can be made by phone or credit card. You can also donate by check or money order by sending it to Telethon at PO Box 1777, DC Osborne Park, WA, 6916.
Where do donations go?
Millions of dollars are raised each year, which goes to a long list of beneficiaries across Australia.
This year, 161 charities will benefit from donations collected through grants.
Last year more than $100 million was distributed to organizations including Anglicare WA, Youth Focus and St John of God Foundation.
