Reaffirming its place as the crown jewel of WA’s philanthropic calendar, the 2026 Telethon Ball brought together the elite for an unforgettable evening that raised millions for the sick children across our great State.

Sweeping past champagne receptions into a lavish green, gold and pink floral sanctuary, attendees entered an atmosphere where opulence met, but did not outshine the grand display of generosity.

With a room packed full of Australia’s top executives and political figures, the night stood as a powerful testament to the Telethon tradition.

Channel 7 Telethon Trust chair Richard Goyder and his wife Janine were among the first to arrive at Crown Ballroom, followed closely by Telethon Trustee Kerry Stokes and his wife Christine Simpson Stokes.

They were joined by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon, WA Governor Chris Dawson and his wife Darrilyn, and former governor Malcolm McCusker and wife Tonya. Premier Roger Cook and his wife Carly Lane, Reece Whitby and his wife Natalie, John Carey, Leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti were also at the annual ball.

Industry powerhouses included BHP’s Geraldine Slattery and Tim Day and Warburton Group chairman Tim Roberts.

Stan Perron Charitable Foundation chair Elizabeth Perron arrived wearing a plunging, black sequinned gown that stole the show.

Alesha Pemberton, wife of NRW Holdings CEO Jules, stunned in a pink sequinned gown.

Jessica Mauboy captivated the room with her stunning vocals and Kate Miller-Heidke got guests on their feet with a cover of Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colours.

A powerful address from Mr Goyder reminded guests why they were there.

“This organisation, Telethon, has done something really, really special in Western Australia, and it’s ours. It’s something to be proud of,” Mr Goyder said.

“We do this for our kids, but most importantly, we do it because it makes our community stronger and better.

“We’re looking after our kids and their families who need their support.”

The PM used his address to make a jaw-dropping announcement.

“Tonight the biggest State in the world hosts the biggest telethon in the world to show its people have the biggest heart in the world,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to the vibrancy and the sense of community that you don’t have to be from the west to understand that this is the culture that you have built here over generations. It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child.

“Well, today a whole State joins in to raise its children.

“It is Team WA that’s most united, and I want the whole country to join in, which is why I’m proud to announce that my Government is committing $6 million in funding to Telethon tonight on behalf of the Government.”

Mr Cook encouraged the room to choose “compassion” because it is the WA way.

“My parents taught me that being as an observer is not enough, if you see a problem and you have the means and ability to try to do something about it, you must act,” he said.

“Lives changed, families supported, breakthroughs achieved, that is the power of Telethon.

“It demonstrates the extraordinary things that we can do when we can choose compassion over indifference and action over complacency. We all know Western Australia is a wonderful place but none of it means very much if your child is sick.”

MC Samantha Jolly kept the energy high throughout the night, with two other local favourites, Adrian Barich and Brian Taylor, who called a live auction.

Among the most fiercely contested items was a 1kg gold bar, donated by Northern Star Resources.

An exclusive 11-night Indonesian expedition on a new luxury Paspaley yacht for two also sold quickly.

A dinner for 10 guests with Mr Albanese and Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago also went under the hammer, along with two tickets to watch the 150th anniversary Ashes Test match at the MCG.

Malcolm and Tonya McCusker generously donated $3 million, while BHP’s Geraldine Slattery and Rio Tinto’s Matt Holcz both gave $1.5 million to the cause.

Investments in medical equipment will also prove transformative.

With 147 beneficiary organisations receiving funding from Telethon in 2026, the ripple effect of the corporate generosity.

The 2026 Telethon Ball showed what can happen when the community unites to build a better future for children.