Telethon Ball 2024: A-listers smash fundraising record at Perth’s prestigious black-tie event, raising $16.7m

The Telethon Ball, Perth’s most prestigious invitation-only black-tie event, once again proved its status as a powerhouse of philanthropy and generosity on Saturday night raising a record-breaking $16.7 million.

Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom was transformed into a glittering pink wonderland as many of Australia’s elite gathered to raise millions of dollars for sick children across Western Australia.

The star-studded guest list read like a who’s who of luminaries from the worlds of business, politics and entertainment.

Fresh from welcoming King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia in Sydney on Friday for their historic royal visit, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fiancee Jodie Haydon led the notable attendees.

Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, and his wife Christine Simpson Stokes, long-standing champions of Telethon, were at the heart of the exclusive event’s festivities, along with other Telethon Ball stalwarts such as former WA governor Malcolm McCusker and wife Tonya, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation chair Elizabeth Perron, Warburton Group chair Tim Roberts and Audi Centre Perth managing director Bronte Howson and his wife Colleen.

Premier Roger Cook and his wife Carly Lane, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti and Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and his wife Kirilly were also at the annual ball, which is a highlight of the iconic fundraising weekend.

Industry titans to walk the black carpet included BHP’s Tim Day, Woodside Energy’s Meg O’Neill, Rio Tinto’s Simon Trott, Qantas’ Vanessa Hudson, and Rod Jones, co-founder of global education provider Navitas.

In the style stakes, Alesha Pemberton, wife of NRW Holdings CEO Jules, made a statement in a custom Barbie pink Meraki gown, while Wyllie Group’s Rhonda Wyllie sparkled in rose gold Temperley creation.

Richard Goyder, chairman of the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, delivered a stirring and emotional opening address, reminding attendees of the profound impact their generosity has on the lives of children across the State. His words set the tone for an evening of incredible, record-breaking giving and community spirit.

Entertainment for the evening included performances by Australian music royalty Vanessa Amorosi, who brought the house down with her commanding vocals, and beloved pop group Human Nature, whose upbeat songs brought many of the high-profile guests out of their seats and onto the dancefloor.

The menu, complimented by bespoke Rainfall Distillery cocktails, was nothing short of exceptional. Crown Perth’s chefs outdid themselves with dishes showcasing the best of WA produce, such as seared salmon tataki and chicken breast with pickled zucchini, followed by beef cheek and Glacier 51 toothfish, pear caramel custard and raspberry cream gateau.

The event’s main MC, Perth Lord Mayor and Seven’s own Basil Zempilas, kept energy high throughout the night, with another local favourite, Tina Altieri, ably assisting as floor MC.

Zempilas also took control of the live auction after his annual roaming roasting of the ballroom where he jibbed everyone from the Prime Minister to West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke.

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences and luxury items went under the hammer, sparking fierce bidding wars among the high-profile guests who were quick to open their wallets.

Notable items included a 1kg gold bar donated by a Northern Star Resources, which sold for $185,000 to Brooks Hire CEO Doug Brooks.

A Leeuwin Estate Lunch for six with Mr Cook including return helicopter flights sold for $90,000 to leading developer Tony Poli and his wife Milvia.

An exclusive private dinner for 10 people with Mr Albanese and Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago AC at a venue of the Prime Minister’s choosing sold for $100,000.

The penultimate auction item for an ultimate New York experience for two people caused a stir when Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, attending her first Telethon Ball, agreed to throw in an six extra business class return flights which saw fierce bidding throughout the room and ended up going to Navitas’ Rod Jones for $220,000.

As the bids flooded in and the tally rose, the true spirit of Telethon shone through. It wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour; it was about making a tangible difference in the lives of WA’s most vulnerable children.

A silent auction offered access to several money-can’t-buy experiences, such as a Home And Away package for two people where the lucky bidder would be given the opportunity to make their television debut in Australia’s most popular television drama.

The night also saw commitments for the purchase of vital medical equipment and support for groundbreaking research programs that underscore the real-world impact of the ball’s fundraising efforts.

One of the most significant acquisitions of the evening was the NETS WA NeoVision system, a $220,000 investment that will establish the first-ever “virtual neonatology” service in WA.

This innovative telehealth platform will connect specialist neonatology teams at Perth Children’s Hospital with regional and peripheral metropolitan hospitals across the State. By providing crucial support for emergency resuscitation, stabilisation and clinical procedures, the system promises to dramatically improve outcomes for sick infants throughout WA, regardless of their location.

Another groundbreaking purchase was the ZeroG Gait and Balance System, a close to a $1m investment that will revolutionise therapy for children at Perth Children’s Hospital.

This advanced robotic body-weight support system will allow the hospital to create a cutting-edge program that integrates medical innovation, professional development for clinicians, and leading-edge technology. The Zero G system offers hope to children who have never been able to stand or walk independently, potentially allowing them to achieve milestones previously thought impossible.

With a record 136 beneficiary organisations set to receive support from this year’s Telethon, the impact of the night will be felt far and wide across the State. From advancing medical research to providing essential services and equipment, every dollar raised will contribute to building a better future for WA’s children.