Ever wondered how Mark McGowan is navigating life after politics?
In one of the more surprising items up for grabs at this year’s Telethon Ball auction, the former Premier and one time naval officer, is offering the highest bidder and four guests a day trip to Rottnest Island aboard his new pride and joy — a custom-built Lux 8m.
Already, early bidders are going overboard to get on the McGowan Escape.
Mr McGowan, who rose to the rank of lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy before entering politics, will skipper the crossing to Rotto, where guests will enjoy a classic pub lunch.
“Telethon is part of who we are as West Australians,” Mr McGowan said.
“Every dollar raised stays here and goes to helping sick and disadvantaged children who need it most. Over the years it has funded vital research, equipment and services that have changed the lives of thousands of local families. I’m proud to support the Telethon Ball by contributing this fun experience, and I hope it raises as much as possible for a great cause.”
While the McGowan getaway is a beauty, it is just one of a long list of extraordinary items being auctioned on Saturday night, as WA chases another record fundraising weekend to cap off a marathon year digging deep for the State’s sick and vulnerable children.
The list of generous donors has once again highlighted the spirit of giving that encapsulates Telethon.
For those drawn to the wild beauty of the North West, Hancock Iron Ore has donated a breathtaking dining under the stars experience for six in the Pilbara.
The package includes return business-class flights and premium camp accommodation.
WA’s pristine coastline and famous wine regions take centre stage across several luxury packages, led by Hawaiian’s Cable Beach Indulgence.
This ultimate Kimberley escape features a five-night stay in a Pool Terrace room at the famous Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa in Broome, complete with return airfares.
Wine enthusiasts will be eager to bid on a two-night retreat at Aravina Escapes in Margaret River, featuring architect-designed cabins tucked into Wildwood Ridge overlooking the vineyards.
For a serene city escape, COMO The Treasury has contributed a night inside Perth’s historic State Buildings in an elegant Heritage Room, featuring a six-course fine dining degustation with wine pairings at Wildflower.
And bringing luxury into your backyard, Varm Custom Saunas have offered an incredible custom-built home sanctuary — your very own bespoke sauna.
Or, what about a complete hair package from the legendary Maurice Meade?
Among the truly money-can’t-buy experiences: the chance to cook live on TV with Seven’s Morning Show or feature as an extra during the shooting of the world famous Home & Away.
There’s dinner at George Kailis’s Gibney. Tickets to Harry Styles, an Optus Stadium suite for Bruno Mars and Robbie Williams. The most incredible ostrich leather boots, thanks to the one-and-only R.M. Williams.
There’s a fully catered suite to see Radiohead, thanks to RAC Arena, which has also offered a suite for the WWE Monday Night Raw extravaganza.
The list is, almost, endless.
There is of course Harvey Norman, huge supporters of Telethon, donating a incredible array of household items from top-of-the-range refrigerators to the best washing machines and an amazing robotic lawnmower.
Another urban retreat pairs a two-night suite stay at the Parmelia Hilton complete with flowing champagne and a Claremont Quarter styling session.
Coastal explorers can bid on a full-day deluxe tour-for-two departing Exmouth to swim alongside or observe Ningaloo Reef’s gentle giant whale sharks, generously donated by Journey Beyond.
Local craftsmanship, arts, and lifestyle offerings are woven throughout the auction catalogue with iconic WA artist Anya Brock donating You Could Have Kept My Love.
Creative bidders can also secure a private floral arrangement and champagne masterclass for six at the prestigious Matthew Landers Academy, hosted by Matthew Landers himself.
Foodies will marvel at The Herdsman Ultimate Christmas Feast, a complete gourmet holiday spread from Herdsman Market.
Sports lovers take your pick, something for everyone — the Melbourne Grand Prix, a Wildcats inner sanctum experience, a Bears VIP day, the Glory, suites thanks to the Dockers and the Eagles, the AFL Grand Final. A one off Ashes Test at the MCG! VIP treatment at Royal Randwick’s the Everest.
And for the adventurers, Western Power have offered a spectacular helicopter trip, with lunch, on Rottnest Island.