PM gets into Telethon spirit as he answers donation calls
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took calls from generous donors and surprised performers while on his visit to the State for Telethon.
Donning Telethon pyjamas, Mr Albanese took to the couch with Seven presenter Michael Usher where the pair discussed the spirit of the special weekend before Albo worked the phones in the call room.
Mr Albanese hit the phones and took several calls from the generous Australian communities wanting to help make a difference for sick children and their families.
“It was a great chance to talk to people, to talk to pensioners, retired people, a young person, a 12-year-old from Lake Macquarie in NSW gave $10 how good is that,” he said.
After spending about 15 minutes in the call centre under the watchful eye of his two bodyguards, he took selfies and chatted to TV and Triple M presenter Rob Palmer who called him a “dead set legend”.
On his way out, Mr Albanese surprised a group of excited young dancers from Valerie Heston School of Dance.
He posed for a photo before the group erupted into joy.
Dempsey, 12, said the unexpected visit was “fun and pretty cool”.
“He gave me a high five I’m never washing this hand again,” he said.
“I think he is a good Prime Minister”.
Earlier on Sunday morning, Mr Albanese and Michael Usher had the chance to meet 76-year-old Bull Creek man John Bradley who raised money by walking from north to south Cottesloe in a bright green mankini.
His son-in-law said he would top up the donation to make it $25,000 if Mr Bradley wore the mankini at Telethon in front of the PM.
Mr Albanese had the fright of his life when Mr Bradley approached him on the couch and presented the cheques.
The Federal Government has donated a massive $6 million — the largest ever government contribution — towards Telethon.
“Why it’s a national contribution is that it helps children in the West but the research that is done helps kids not just in WA but the world,” he said.
“And part of what comes out of Telethon is that change those medical breakthroughs.”
Mr Albanese had nothing but praise for the 26-hour-long televised fundraiser that united WA.
“Often the people who have least give most and that’s something about Australia’s spirit as well,” he said.
“It unites the State of WA.
“This is the biggest event of its kind, not just in Australia but in the world.”
His wife Jodie joined the couch and said she was grateful for the opportunity to spend time in WA.
While it was made clear the PM was welcome back to the West anytime, he pointed out it wouldn’t be in a mankini.
“I’ve gotta say Michael if I was to wear a mankini I don’t think I’d be welcome back,” he said.
“It’s a human rights issue.”
