State Government donates a record $5.5 million to Telethon

  • $5.5 million donation to Telethon, the largest ever State Government contribution
  • Funding to help improve health outcomes and support vital research
  • Record donation in response to impacts of COVID-19 pandemic  
  • The McGowan Government is proud to present a $5.5 million donation to Telethon on behalf of Western Australians, the biggest State Government contribution in history.

    Premier Mark McGowan presented the cheque for the record donation, a portion of which will go to the WA Child Research Fund (WACRF) to support child and adolescent health research. 

    The WACRF is a collaboration of the Department of Health and the Channel 7 Telethon Trust.

    The remaining funds will go towards Telethon’s ongoing efforts to support Western Australia’s child health programs and services.

    Telethon supports and grants funding to two major beneficiaries each year, Telethon Kids Institute and Perth Children’s Hospital. More than 50 other charitable organisations receive funding from Telethon.

    The grants are utilised for the purchase of new medical equipment, aids and devices, undertaking medical research into children’s diseases, establishing new facilities, provision of counselling and support services for children and young people.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Telethon is an iconic Western Australian institution that continues to go from strength to strength in its support and research to assist young Western Australians experiencing illness.

    “I know that it’s been a tough year financially for many West Aussies, many who would normally give generously to Telethon but they can’t this year.

    “So for this reason, the State Government, on behalf of taxpayers, has decided to increase its annual contribution to a record $5.5 million.

    “Given the unprecedented challenges felt throughout our community this year as a result of COVID-19, it’s appropriate that the State Government steps up to provide an even bigger contribution on behalf of every Western Australian.

    “The funding will support Telethon’s ongoing efforts in supporting children across the State. It will also support Western Australia’s world-class researchers who undertake vital work to improve the lives and medical outcomes for young people.

    “Western Australians have shown themselves to be generous, selfless people in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have no doubt that they will dig deep for Telethon 2020, just like they always have.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.