Telethon 2026: Premier’s Challenge launches at Mindarie Primary School, set to inspire WA schools

The spirit of giving is set to sweep across WA schools as the 2026 Premier’s Telethon Challenge officially returns to classrooms across the State.

In a heartfelt launch at Mindarie Primary School — which emerged as a powerhouse of giving last year by raising more than $18,000 — Premier Roger Cook said the initiative was about more than just the grand total.

“The Premier’s Telethon Challenge is a great opportunity to raise even more money for Telethon, but it’s also about the opportunity of young kids learning the importance of giving, compassion and kids helping kids,” Mr Cook said.

“So it’s a really important part of what we do.”

The challenge, now in its second year, follows a record-breaking 2025 effort that saw 79 schools collectively raise $115,000.

Reflecting on the impact at Mindarie, the Premier said the northern suburbs school’s $18,000 contribution was a “real indication of just how powerful the act of giving is and how kids can help some of the sickest kids in our community.”

The Mindarie students embraced the cause through pyjama, baking and market days, as well as a rare diseases day where students donned bright colours and crazy hair.

“These kids might be raising money for a relative or a friend that they know, but the most important part of this is they’re raising money for someone they may never meet,” Mr Cook said.

“And that is what compassion is all about, and that is what Telethon is all about. The act of giving and kids helping kids.”

Education Minister Sabine Winton joined the Premier, recalling her own childhood memories of watching the 24-hour broadcast.

“In my day, we grew up with Telethon and we watched the 24 hours, and a highlight was being able to stay up all night for once to watch the magic of Telethon,” Ms Winton said.

“And so the Premier’s Telethon Challenge is just such an important way to reach in to our youngest generation to remind them that Telethon is here, has always been here, and that they can participate.

“it’s an important reminder that for children and young people everywhere, Telethon is alive and well, and there’s so much to gain by participating.”

Ms Winton said the challenge was the “next step” in supporting students and teachers to spread a message of selflessness.

“It’s the important message of not thinking about oneself, but thinking about others, and the art of giving,” she said.

“Whilst raising money is critically important, school communities and local communities get so much by participating in events... it’s really about bringing community together for community to help those people in need.”

For the students on the frontline, like Mindarie Year 6 student leader Eden Noakes, the reward was unmatched.

“I just love helping and organising events to fundraise money for sick kids, because I think it’s really important,” Eden said.

Last year’s success saw the school’s student council go backstage to meet WA favourites like Ben Cousins, an experience Eden hopes to secure for her peers again.

“This year we’re gonna do as much as we can by making sure, making sure, like the word is spread, and raising awareness for sick children, by doing loads of other donating and fundraising opportunities and making sure families can donate back home,” she said.

“It’s great for other kids to help out, because it’s kids helping kids, and kids being able to see that they’re really making a difference by doing fun things and helping other children their age.”

The 2026 challenge starts on April 20 and runs until September, featuring three competition tiers based on school size.

This year also introduces a new creative dimension with a visual arts competition themed The Art of Giving.