01 May 2026
Students at Mindarie Primary School are geared up to better the almost $20,000 they raised for last year’s Premier’s Telethon Challenge.
The challenge is back for another year!
Rehearsals at the northern suburbs school were in full swing when the boomwhacker chorus launched the 2026 edition of the challenge at the start of Term 2.
Now in its second year, the challenge aims to teach students the importance of ‘kids helping kids’ by engaging in fundraising and philanthropy for the Telethon charity.
Staff and students are encouraged to participate in fundraising across three categories – small, medium and large-sized schools – for the chance to win an unforgettable Telethon weekend experience, or a school visit from Fat Cat.
There’s also a visual art competition, designed for students to create work that reflects on the joy of charitable giving and acts of generosity.
Mindarie Primary School staff and students have been a long-time supporter of Telethon with some students having direct links to the life changing support it provides.
Still riding high from raising $18,048 in last year’s challenge, Year 6 student leaders, Eden Noakes and Flynn Malinowski, are looking forward to building on their 2025 efforts.
“This year we’re going to do as much as we can by making sure 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,” Eden 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,” said Flynn.
Students at Mindarie Primary School put on a show at the launch of the Premier's Telethon Challenge.
Enjoying the festive atmosphere, the Premier reflected on the inaugural year of the challenge and his hopes for 2026.
“This year, we are looking to expand the initiative’s impact and further instil the joy of giving back in our students,” he said.
“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.
“And that is what compassion is all about, and that is what Telethon is all about. The act of giving and kids helping kids.”
In its inaugural year, 2025, staff and students from 79 schools combined to raise $115,181 for Telethon.
The 2026 challenge runs until 4 September. More details are available on the Premier’s Telethon Challenge website.