The State’s business and political elite put a personal touch on some huge cheques that helped Telethon soar to a new record total.
Billionaire miners, giants of the Australian stock exchange and the State and Federal Governments spread the love — and the cash — and proved generosity is booming as much as iron ore or gold in WA.
They spoke about the way Telethon reaches all corners of WA.
Chevron’s Deanne Renting recalled how her own son, Oscar, 10, benefited from Telethon Speech and Hearing checks in Onslow, as she handed over the company’s $1.5 million donation.
“As we were driving into RAC Arena today, both of our boys started talking about the bus that came around,” she said.
“Accessing health services in remote communities is tough . . . it helped him build confidence to get better at school, contribute in the classroom and finish pre-primary with a pretty significant merit award (because) he was able to get that speech therapy.”
Rio Tinto made another mammoth $5.5 million donation, but iron ore boss Matthew Holcz praised his workforce for committing time as well as money to help kids like Telethon star Olivia Street, whose mum works for the company.
“So proud of our employees,” he said. “It’s their time in the call rooms, their time supporting and volunteering to make this weekend a success and, beyond that, the work they do in a lot of Telethon-funded charities throughout the year. It’s incredible”.
Premier Roger Cook took time out from running the State to spend time with the three little Telethon stars himself.
He put on his chef’s hat to make a pizza with Telethon star Paige McKay, ran part of a marathon with Kane Cornes and suited up for the Telethon Ball on Saturday before handing over a $18 million cheque on behalf of WA taxpayers on Sunday night - that sealed a new record.
“There’s all kinds of emotions that that overwhelm you during this weekend,” Mr Cook said.
“You hear the sad stories, the wonderful stories of of kids’ lives saved, but the one emotion that comes to me every time is pride. And as Premier of Western Australia, I’m so proud of this State.”
He called Telethon weekend a “balm in troubled times” and a reminder of the power of kindness.
“We can all agree on Telethon, and so it’s so nice to be here,” Mr Cook said, in the green room behind the scenes.
But the Premier admitted Telethon was also the cause of a few fights growing up in his crowded family home.
“This was well and truly before the days of big telly screens,” he said.
“And when I say we competed for space, right, I’m the youngest of seven, right, so this was WWE in the Cook household!
“Telethon is more than a fundraiser or a weekend of entertainment. It is a WA institution, a reflection of the best of who we are.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joked it might be the only time East Coast premiers won’t object to him giving more money to the west as he committed $6 million to WA kids and research that benefits all of Australia.
“It is Team WA that’s most united, and I want the whole country to join in,” Mr Albanese said.
“I know government can’t do everything, but today is evidence that when government, business, community, and people work together, we can achieve so much.”
Inside the Crown ballroom packed full of executives and politicians, all dressed to impress, nothing glittered brighter than the cause itself as Malcolm and Tonya McCusker donated $4 million.
An anonymous donor also pledged an incredible $4 million, as the ball raised $25 million in just two hours.
Northern Stars chief executive Stuart Tonkin was the highest bidder for two gold bars and made a personal pledge of $300,000.
Across the weekend, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation chair Elizabeth Perron donated a whopping $10 million.
Hancock Prospecting and Hancock Iron Ore raised $2.5 million.
Woodside Energy revealed a $1.125 million cheque.
Crown Resorts donated $1.5 million, with a bit of help from Eagles star Harley Reid who outlasted the other celebrities in the final “donation dash”.
Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison put it simply: “Telethon changes lives,” he said.
Mineral Resources announced a new five-year $10 million partnership with Telethon. The company kicked it off with a $2 million cheque that was handed over by Director of People Andrea Chapman, standing alongside Healthy Strides, one of the beneficiaries.
“We just love our partnership with Telethon, we get to see first-hand the impact in the community,” Ms Chapman said.
Flanked by smiling, excited kids in wheelchairs and walkers alike, Healthy Strides co-founder Dayna Pool said it will help ensure more children get access to cutting-edge technology to help them move whichever way they can.
“This helps all of our kids achieve their goals and reach their dreams,” she said.
BHP’s latest $5.5 million cheque took the mining giant’s total contribution to Telethon to more than $56 million, with a focus on early intervention this year.
It’s money that will pay for equipment that’s both great and small, including an advanced infrared warmer for WA’s tiniest patients in the PCH neo-natal intensive care unit and big projects like the Rare Care Centre Pilbara Hub.
“Everyone has a part to play,” BHP Asset President, WA Iron Ore, Tim Day said.
“At BHP, we’re incredibly proud to be part of that effort, to ensure children and families across WA get the care they need to enjoy a better quality of life”.