Telethon 2023: Free public transport for fundraising weekend and Family Festival

People will be able to catch free public transport during Telethon 2023, as part of the State Government’s support for this year’s fundraising spectacular, which is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

All fares across the network will be waived on Sunday, October 22, to allow families to get to Telethon and the free Family Festival in the heart of Perth’s CBD.

With only two days to go, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she was delighted the Government could support the meaningful cause.

“Telethon gives West Australian children the ability to participate in life and achieve their dreams. This is all about making sure everyone gets a good start in life,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Last year, we saw the first Family Festival here on Wellington Street, so again we’re shutting the road and providing free public transport.

“The Family Festival was so successful even with the bad rain, but this year we’re seeing perfect weather so I think it’s going to be huge.”

Festivities will branch out from the live fundraising event at RAC Arena, extending all the way to Forrest Place and Yagan Square for the first time.

There will be plenty of free activities, rides and entertainment for the whole family with roving entertainer Miss Gail Force among the performers.

Her group of about 30 entertainers will be running circus workshops, trapeze shows and roving entertainment at the Family Festival.

“The festival is different this year as it is actually much bigger, so we’ve got some really great characters coming,” she said.

“Telethon is a treasured part of West Australian culture, the way we really provide to meet the needs of others. There’s something really precious about that and I’m delighted and honoured to be a part of it.”

The Telethon broadcast can be watched live outside of the opening and closing show times for a gold coin donation.