Editorial: Pride of WA is now the pride of Australia

The pride of Western Australia is now truly the pride of the entire nation.

The Channel 7 Telethon may be one of those uniquely West Aussie traditions, but there is no doubt the entire country now watches on in awe.

An inspired Prime Minister told The West Australian on Friday that “WA should be proud because this used to happen a lot more over east but this really is now a unique national phenomenon”.

Anthony Albanese went on to say “it’s extraordinary how generous people are and the whole community gets behind it.”

And to think he said all that before a whopping new massive Telethon record of $80 million was announced last night.

Seven West Media chair and “father of Telethon” Kerry Stokes AC said the “year-on-year success of Telethon” was because “everyone comes together to help and support children in need”.

“Watching young kids helping and supporting other kids doing it tough inspires us all and is the reason why Telethon is an integral part of the WA community,” he said.

“Together, we’re creating a future filled with hope and opportunity for sick and disadvantaged children.”

At the Telethon ball on Saturday night, Mr Stokes also made a heart-warming remark to the crowd that no one single person or company owned Telethon.

The charity drive is quite simply collectively owned by the State, its children in need and their loved ones.

Over the Telethon weekend, West Australians are welcomed into the lives of some very special kids so they can understand the realities of the challenges they and their families face. Families like that of 15-year-old Palmer Job, who spent his first days in a coma and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and other associated problems.

We also hear of the more than 100 charities that are beneficiaries each year of the money raised by Telethon.

Beneficiaries like Ability WA have helped Palmer live as normal a life as possible.

“Even though I am in a wheelchair, I like to move and do things everyone else does. I just do it however I can. I live a better life from moving. It helps my pain,” he said.

Premier Roger Cook, who handed over a record State Government donation of $12 million, said that for more than 50 years “Telethon has brought the State together for a cause we can all get behind”.

“The generosity of Western Australians has helped to improve countless little lives, and given hope to families doing it tough,” he said.

Mr Stokes last night gave a big thanks to “everyone who plays a role in making Telethon a success year after year — from school kids and communities across the State to generous philanthropists, the business sector and the State and Federal governments”.

With stories like Palmer’s and all the other kids and beneficiaries WA hears from over the weekend, it’s no surprise that year after year Telethon raises a record amount of money and inspires an entire nation. Bring on 2024.

Responsibility for the editorial comment is taken by WAN Editor-in-Chief Anthony De Ceglie