Basil Zempilas: The 10 Telethon legends and quiet achievers who make the fundraising event a success

1. Harry Connick Jnr. This weekend’s Telethon will be my 31st and I owe much to my very first. How lucky can you be, straight out of the WAFL and journalism school and into the Sunday night Telethon closer — all because people thought I looked a bit like 1994’s big-name American guest star. Thanks Harry, you put me in prime-time and started my journey.
2. John Crilly. For many of my Telethon years, John was the executive producer of the live broadcast. An old-school television pro, John and I had a very close working relationship, especially from 2010 onwards. Crills had a great feel for TV, he knew when to tighten the show up and also when to let the moment run.
3. Sadie Purser. Sadie is the genius behind the emotive montages, feature stories and promos which tell the Telethon story, not just over the weekend but throughout the year. Her outstanding work has built the connection between the audience and the very people Telethon exists for.
4. Every little Telethon Star. They used to be knows as Telethon Children but in more recent times that title has morphed into the more apt Little Telethon Stars. Each year our LTSs inspire us and remind us why we do what we do.
5. Fat Cat. He hasn’t missed a Telethon. The only Channel 7 personality with an unblemished record. Not bad for a seven-year-old.
6. Peter Dean, Peter Waltham and Jeff Newman. As a kid growing up and in Jeff’s case, later as a colleague, these men were the hosts who read out the final total. I loved what that moment represented. That I have been entrusted to handle that task for the last 15 years will forever rank as a great career privilege.
7. Maryna Fewster. The CEO of Seven West Media WA won’t like seeing her name here because she never chases attention. Maryna is a huge part of the phenomenal growth of the modern Telethon. She is a powerhouse. Her drive and passion has taken the event and the Telethon ball in particular to the next level.
8. Susannah Carr and Rick Ardon. The interstate and international stars have come and gone over the years, but Sue’s standard setting professionalism and Rick’s sense of fun have been the constants for so long.
9. You. Telethon is what it is because of every member of the WA community. Your involvement, your donations, your spirit.
10. Kerry Matthew Stokes. Kerry’s contribution to the exponential growth of Telethon can not be glossed over. Last year’s even raised $77 million, $71 million the year before. Telethon is the most successful television fundraiser anywhere in the world because of the standard Kerry has driven and inspired. Unlocking corporate and government support while always remaining true to the community essence of Telethon has been Kerry’s masterstroke. He didn’t start it, but he has elevated it. Telethon will be Kerry Stokes’ legacy.

Basil Zempilas is Lord Mayor of the City of Perth and the Liberal candidate for Churchlands