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Telethon 2026 live updates: All the action from RAC Arena with Reece Matin, Jessica Mauboy, Nat Barr

Amy Cavender and Taylor RenoufThe West Australian
VideoTelethon 2026 is back on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October! Broadcast from RAC Arena over 26 hours, we're hopeful for the biggest Telethon result yet!

UPDATES: WA’s biggest weekend of generosity is here, with Telethon 2026 set to bring 26 hours of non-stop entertainment, heartwarming stories and incredible fundraising efforts.

Some of Australia’s biggest stars will join beloved television personalities, performers and everyday West Australians as the State comes together to raise millions of dollars for sick children.

Follow our live blog for all the latest updates, special guests, emotional moments, fundraising milestones and surprises as Telethon 2026 unfolds.

And most importantly, you can donate still by phoning 1300 737 507 or by clicking here. to be part of the state-wide fundraising effort to help make the lives of sick, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children and their families much brighter.

Reporting LIVE

First panel of the night reflects on magic of Telethon

7News star Ryan Daniels has kicked off the first panel of the night, alongside Home & Away actor Kyle Shilling, Kylie Gillies, Sally Bowrey and Issa Schulz.

Sally Bowrey said seeing thousands in the crowd proved Telethon brings together so many people.

“There was a moment where I just looked out, saw everyone waving together and it just shows how Telethon brings the State together and the country together.”

Olivia street’s adorable love heart signal

Little Telethon star Olivia Street, who told Natalie Barr that her favourite part of the preparation was going to Mecca, did an adorbale love heart signal which was ehcoed by the audience and the panel onstage.

Little Telethon stars arrive

The 2026 Little Telethon stars have officially arrived at RAC Arena!

Aiden Narsico, Olivia Street and Paige McKay are speaking to Natalie Barr and Larry Emdur in their first interview of the night.

In a hilarious “breaking news” moment, Aiden revealed “Larry Emdur is getting old and needs to retire”, leaving the crowd in stitches.

The Little Telethon Stars take to the stage for the first time.
Camera IconThe Little Telethon Stars take to the stage for the first time. Credit: Supplied/Channel 7

Crowd go wild for Phil Burton and Colletti duet

Phil Burton then returned to the stage for his own take on John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice which saw the crowd sing along.

Then, Gisella Colletti joined him to round out Telethon 2026’s opening performances, bringing the crowd to life for the weekend ahead.

WA superstar takes to the stage with choir

Perth singer Gisella Colletti, who finished third on Australian Idol in 2025, has to the Telethon stage.

Incredible vocals echoed through RAC arena alongside a choir for a stirring rendition of John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice.

Gisella Colletti singing at the Telethon Ball.
Camera IconGisella Colletti singing at the Telethon Ball. Credit: The Sunday Times

Country music sensation Morgan Evans takes to stage

Aussie country music star Morgan Evans has taken to the stage to sing his famous hit Kiss Somebody.

The 41-year-old has the crowd singing along and getting involved by waving their phone torch to the love song.

Morgan Evans on stage.
Camera IconMorgan Evans Credit: Channel 7/Channel 7

Jessica Mauboy and Phil Burton kick off show

Jessica Mauboy and Phil Burton have kicked off Telethon 2026 with an energetic performance of the disco classic Good Times,

They both danced around the stage in striking black outfits, setting the tone for a weekend of entertainment and fundraising.

Jessica Mauboy performing at the 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards in 2024.
Camera IconJessica Mauboy performing at the 64th TV WEEK Logie Awards in 2024. Credit: Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie Awards

Crowds at RAC Arena bursting with excitement

The stage is set and anticipation has officially reached fever pitch as the 59th annual Telethon kicks off.

RAC Arena opened to the public at 5.45pm, allowing hundreds of giddy fans waiting in the Wellington Street forecourt to stream inside ahead of the televised fundraising extravaganza.

The Lotterywest Kids Carnival, opposite RAC Arena, is expected to draw huge crowds, offering up free carnival rides, sideshow games and classic show bags without parents having to break the bank.

Telethon 2026. RAC Arena. Crowds line up in anticipation for the opening. Picture: Jackson Flindell
Camera IconCrowds line up in anticipation for the opening. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian
Telethon 2026. RAC Arena. Crowds line up in anticipation for the opening. Picture: Jackson Flindell
Camera IconCrowds line up in anticipation for the opening. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

The Little Telethon Stars ready to shine

The 2026 Little Telethon Stars have been treated like celebrities in the lead up to this year’s event. Karrinyup Shopping Centre became their personal runway this week for a styling experience with stylist Natalie Dignam.

7-year-old Olivia Street, who lives with collagen VI myopathy and scoliosis dazzled in a gorgeous pink dress.

Olivia Street at Karrinyup Shopping Centre.
Camera IconOlivia Street at Karrinyup Shopping Centre. Credit: The West Australian

9-year-old Aiden Narsico who has a rare genetic condition affecting his autonomic nervous system looked very dapper in his new suit.

Aiden Narsico wearing the outfit he chose for this year’s Telethon closing ceremony.
Camera IconAiden Narsico wearing the outfit he chose for this year’s Telethon closing ceremony. Credit: The West Australian

8-year-old Paige McKay who has a pilocytic astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, chose a pink dress and sparkly wrap for the closing ceremony.

Little Telethon Star Paige McKay chooses her outfit for the Telethon closing ceremony.
Camera IconLittle Telethon Star Paige McKay chooses her outfit for the Telethon closing ceremony. Credit: The West Australian

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Who’s performing at this year’s Telethon?

R&B powerhouse Jessica Mauboy and Morgan Evans will headline a blockbuster roster of stars taking to the stage for this year’s mammoth 2026 Telethon weekend.

Newcastle-born, Nashville-based country singer-songwriter Morgan Evans is making his Perth Telethon debut on the RAC Arena stage

Kate Miller-Heidke is also making her debut fresh from her third season in the spinning red chair as a coach on The Voice Australia.

Read all about the full line up in the linked article below.

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