The annual Telethon Family Festival attracted thousands of attendees who came together to support vulnerable children in Western Australia. Held on March 3, 2025, the festival kicked off its second day of celebrations with an enthusiastic crowd at Yagan Square, filled with excitement and activities aimed at raising funds for sick children.
Television personalities such as Dr Chris Brown, Sally Bowrey, and the beloved mascot Fat Cat officially opened the festivities. Their presence ignited cheers from the crowd, as they were joined by other familiar faces, including Kylie Ledbury from The Morning Show and Kyle Shilling from Home and Away, who participated in a lively drum performance to mark the occasion. Bowrey expressed the vibrant atmosphere by stating, “We are having fun and this is the hub of fun.”
As families filled the streets of Wellington and Yagan Square, the festival featured a variety of entertainment. Costumed characters like Darth Vader and Wonder Woman roamed the grounds, interacting with attendees and enhancing the festive spirit. Among the many participants was Hanna Zuvela, who sported Telethon-themed attire, including pyjamas and a bucket hat, while clutching two Fat Cat teddies. “I love how Telethon is on the whole day and night and how everyone is raising so much money for sick kids,” she remarked.
Hanna’s mother, Amalia Zuvela, highlighted the family tradition of attending the festival, which she has cherished since childhood. “We come here every single year as a family day out, so we are permanently in our Telethon PJs,” she said. Amalia emphasized the importance of educating her children about the charity’s impact, encouraging them to inquire about the various beneficiary stalls to understand the significance of their participation.
The festival footprint extended from RAC Arena to Yagan Square, offering carnival rides, fairy floss, face painting, popcorn, and animal encounters. Notably, Larry Edmur, host of The Chase Australia, entertained crowds by challenging contestants, Goliath and The Supernerd, to answer questions about Telethon. The competition culminated in humorous moments, including a sliming incident when Goliath misguessed Fat Cat’s age, leading to a charitable donation of $10,000 from Pharmacy 777 for his efforts.
Additionally, the festival showcased the All Abilities Football Association, a beneficiary of Telethon, which provides opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports. The All Abilities team engaged in a friendly match against notable AFL players, including Ben Cousins and Mark LeCras. With Shane Crawford providing commentary, the All Abilities athletes demonstrated their skills, leaving the audience impressed.
As one of the major public events associated with the Telethon broadcast, the Family Festival remains a vital gathering for people of all ages, promoting awareness and support for the health of sick children across Western Australia. The event concluded at 16:00, marking another successful chapter in the ongoing effort to raise funds for this important cause.
