News. Telethon Golf Day at Karrinyup Golf Course. Australian Professional Golfer Brett Rumford with Telethon children Florence Shanks 5yo and Nate Fearnall 9yo and Fat Cat.
More than 30 teams participated in the second annual Telethon Golf Day at Lake Karrinyup Country Club on March 15, 2025. The event brought together golf enthusiasts for a day of competition aimed at raising funds for the Telethon, a charity benefiting children and families in Western Australia. The day’s activities were bathed in sunlight, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both participants and supporters.
The origins of the Telethon can be traced back to a round of golf in 1967 when Sir James Cruthers and Jim Clarkson conceptualized the idea for a massive fundraiser while playing at the same course. The first Telethon took place the following year, and since then, it has grown into a significant event on the Western Australian calendar.
The event featured notable figures such as the 2024 Little Telethon Stars, Nate Fearnall and Florence Shanks, alongside community fundraisers like Cooper Taylor, who completed a remarkable 100 km in 100 days, and bake sale champion Emily Barlow. Adding to the festivities was the beloved character Fat Cat, a staple of the Telethon community.
Audi Centre Perth generously sponsored a hole-in-one competition, offering a flashy Audi Q5 Sportback as the grand prize. Bronte and Colleen Howson of Audi Centre Perth expressed their long-standing support for the Telethon, with Bronte stating, “Telethon is just a wonderful, wonderful organization that helps so many families and children within Western Australia.”
Professional golfers Brett Rumford and Danielle Peers also joined the event, encouraging donations from participants eager to take shots alongside them. Rumford, who has been a lifelong supporter of the Telethon, shared how being a parent has deepened his connection to the cause. “When you have kids, it changes things,” he noted. Peers echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the personal impact of the charity’s work.
In addition to the competitive spirit, the day featured themed food and beverage stations throughout the course. Golfers enjoyed delicacies such as oysters from Catalano’s and Del Basso, along with “shuck and sip” offerings at hole one and “Penfolds and pies” at hole five. All ingredients were donated, showcasing the community’s collective effort to support the Telethon’s mission.
The culinary aspect of the day was overseen by Chris Taylor, executive chef at Fraser’s Restaurant, who collaborated with the staff at LKCC to ensure a memorable dining experience. “When you get all these guys involved, they’re here to do a good job and they know what’s going on,” Taylor remarked.
For Mark Adams, general manager of LKCC, having the Telethon Golf Day return for another year is an honor. “There’s an atmosphere with Telethon… our members embrace it,” he said, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for the event.
Looking ahead, the Telethon is set to return to RAC Arena on October 18 and 19, 2025, with ambitions to surpass last year’s record of $83.3 million raised. The 26-hour broadcast will be available on Channel 7, 7flix, and 7plus, with tickets for both the opening and closing shows going on sale from September 9.
The Telethon Golf Day not only serves as a platform for fundraising but also strengthens community ties, showcasing the philanthropic spirit prevalent throughout Western Australia.
