Sunday's Telethon Leeuwin Lunch on Swan saw a record-breaking $8.2 million raised to support sick children in Western Australia, with the total significantly bolstered by a last-minute anonymous donation of $4 million.
The event, held at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on the Swan River, brought together generous supporters united in their mission to help WA's sick kids. The emotional highlight of the day was a speech by 18-year-old Tia Scott, who shared her five-and-a-half-year battle with osteosarcoma. Diagnosed at age 12, she has endured 800 blood tests, over 190 scans, and 13 surgeries, moving the room to tears and immediate action.
Major Donations and Pledges
Among the significant commitments was a $1 million national-first Adolescent and Youth Cancer Service, kickstarted by a $400,000 donation from BHP's Tim Day. The remaining $600,000 was covered within three minutes through pledges from the Wen Family, Hawaiian, Malcolm McCusker and his wife Tonya, Paul Davies and Kelly Davies, Bronte Howson and Colleen Howson, Grant Davey, and Elsabe Muller.
Grant Davey, CEO of Matador Capital, was particularly active, purchasing a Retinal Fundus Camera for $120,000 and all 10 Camp Quality family holiday packages. During the live auction, he secured an AFL Grand Final experience and immediately re-auctioned it, raising $65,000. He also won the major raffle prize—an Audi S3 Sportback—and donated it back to Telethon, raising an additional $100,000.
Other Notable Contributions
Prominent WA businessman Alf Barbagallo successfully bid for a private Nobu dinner for 10 alongside the Premier. Telethon supporters Dean and Jo Rullo and Tad and Margaret Watroba were frequent bidders. A Bespoke Varm Premium Sauna was the most contested luxury item, ultimately purchased by Navitas CEO Scott Jones.
As the lunch concluded, Telethon Trustees Kerry Stokes and Christine Simpson-Stokes, along with Tim Roberts and the McCusker family, each pledged $250,000. Other major donors included Steve and Susie Gulvin, Jules Pemberton and wife Alesha, Tyson Sutton and wife Naomi, Rod and Carol Jones, Rory and Rhoda Vassallo, Tim and Linda Goyder, Sunil and Monika Narula, Brendan Harris and wife Jade, and Julie Drago and Russell James. Elizabeth Perron from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation also made a substantial contribution.
Event Highlights
Over 180 guests enjoyed a performance by Motown group The 60 Four before lunch. The Horgan family, longtime supporters, provided Leeuwin Estate wines and auction items. The event was hosted by Channel 7's Charlotte Goodlet and Ryan Daniels, with Mark Readings leading the live auction. The afternoon concluded with a surprise performance by WA-born pop star Samantha Jade and a fireworks display by Telethon's mascot, Fat Cat.
Over the past six years, the Leeuwin Lunch has raised $32.7 million. In 2026, Telethon will support 147 beneficiaries across 297 grants. This year's Telethon Weekend takes place at RAC Arena on October 17 and 18.
