Telethon Weekend has a new home at RAC Arena

Posted July 14, 2022
Telethon Weekend has a new home at RAC Arena

The countdown to Telethon 2022 is well and truly on, and it is going to be spectacular.

Telethon is coming back to the Perth CBD this October and that’s doubly exciting because a host of big name interstate stars are finally able to come back too.

Telethon is moving, this year finding a new home at RAC Arena right in the heart of the CBD. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Familiar faces from Channel 7 ready to book flights west include Kochie and Nat from Sunrise, Larry Emdur from The Morning Show and Home and Away stars Lynne McGranger, Ada Nicodemou and Matt Evans.

WA’s own reality show king Locky Gilbert from SAS Australia will also take part in the 26-hour television extravaganza from its new home at RAC Arena.

Fat Cat with Kelly and Charli (left) and Khlalen Ladiges, Melissa and Cara Cowcher (right). Flying the flag for Starlight Children’s Foundation at RAC Arena. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

The 55th Telethon is now just 100 days away but for the likes of McGranger, who plays Irene on the long-running Australian soap opera, the anticipation is high because COVID-19 kept the stars away the past two years.

“I am so excited to finally be able to come back to WA and to Telethon,” she said. “It’s been a long time between drinks, but we’re finally coming back and we can raise some money for the kids of WA.”

Lynne McGranger is coming. Credit: Jonathan Ng/Jonathan Ng / Newspix

The Telethon Weekend will be broadcast live from 7pm on Saturday, October 22, through to Sunday, October 23. The Telethon Family Festival will be held on the Sunday at RAC Arena and along parts of Wellington Street, keeping all aspects of the weekend in one location.

RAC Arena general manager Michael Scott said the Arena, which has missed out on much throughout the pandemic, was delighted to be the new home of Telethon and looking forward to doing its part to support this “much-loved community event”.

HeartKids ambassador Cruz Da Silva Faria with his Dad Alvaro and sister Ella. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

Generations of West Australians have grown up with Telethon and their generosity over half a century has had a major impact on the children who need our help the most.

A record $62 million was raised last year, helping Telethon support 97 beneficiaries and children’s charities that look out for our most sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.

Telethon funding supports medical research into childhood diseases, provides equipment for children in hospital and within the community, critical services for children with disabilities and life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged children.