09 July 2026
Today marks 100 days until the annual Telethon weekend, as WA schools continue their efforts in baking, running, jumping and dancing to help raise funds for sick kids in need.
Fat Cat visited North Woodvale Primary School, the current leaders of the 2026 Premier’s Telethon Challenge.
To date, 59 schools have signed up for the Premier’s Telethon Challenge and raised more than $60,000 between them.
All funds go directly to Telethon to support sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Top fundraisers across three size categories will have the chance to win a range of exciting prizes including a behind-the-scenes experience at the 2026 Telethon weekend.
Fundraisers at schools include a bounce-a-thon at Beaumaris Primary School, birthday boxes at Yakamia Primary School and a winter solstice market at Harmony Primary School.
Currently leading the pack is North Woodvale Primary School, whose 12-hour discothon saw students party from sunrise to sunset.
Organised by the school P&C, school staff and supported by the local community, the discothon included an interactive showcase from WA Police, including a flyover from its helicopter, a visit from the mounted police and 'SPOT’, the WA Police Bomb Squad Unit’s robotic response dog.
The dance finale ended with a special visit from Fat Cat, and Principal Andrew Schmidt stepping up to spin the tunes in a crowd-pleasing DJ set.
Amie Dobbyn, manager corporate services, said what started as a small idea grew into a community wide event.
Students and staff took part in a 12-hour discothon.
“Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our wonderful families, staff, students, volunteers and local businesses, we have raised more than $20,000 for this very worthy cause, far exceeding our original goal,” she said.
“It was a truly memorable day, bringing the community together in support of an important cause, and one that all who attended will remember with pride.”
This year, the challenge also features a visual art competition, giving students a chance to reflect on the joy of giving, express their creativity, and share stories of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.
Open to all WA school students, Fat Cat will choose his favourite artworks which will be published in The West Australian Newspaper.
The Premier’s Telethon Challenge runs until 4 September. More details are available on the Premier’s Telethon Challenge website.