Media Releases Archive - Nine for Brands

Four Games of Easter Weekend Footy for Free on Nine

STREAM NRL LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY: DOLPHINS v MANLY
GOOD FRIDAY FOOTY: RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY: PANTHERS v STORM
EASTER SUNDAY: KNIGHTS v RAIDERS

Get ready for a free Easter feast of footy when NRL on Nine unwraps four games, including a Good Friday double-header, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, from tomorrow – Thursday, April 2 at 7.30pm AEDT.

Kicking off with Thursday Night Footy the Dolphins host the Manly Sea Eagles in Redcliffe. All eyes will be on the visitors as club legend Kieran Foran makes his highly anticipated head coaching debut as interim coach following the departure of Anthony Seibold.

The celebrations continue on Good Friday Footy with a massive double-header. From 3.00pm AEDT, the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs hop straight into their traditional clash, broadcasting live from the heart of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The Rabbitohs are refreshed after a bye and welcome back flyer Campbell Graham from injury. They face a Bulldogs side desperate to bounce back after a shock loss to the Knights. Look for the explosive battle in the centres between Rabbitohs pair Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell facing Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton.

Straight after it’s a heavyweight battle on Friday Night Footy when the Panthers meet the Storm. The Panthers are the form team of the competition, remaining unbeaten with a staggering +110 points differential. While the Storm are looking to avoid three consecutive losses for the first time since 2022. The Australian Kangaroos halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster will go against each other in a mouth watering match up.

On Easter Sunday Arvo Footy the Knights are against the Raiders from 3.00pm AEST. Newcastle is flying high under new coach Justin Holbrook, boasting a 3-1 record built on a new-found steely edge in defense, after Holbrook took his team into the Hunter Valley underground coal mines in the preseason to reconnect with their local community.

They return home to McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle looking to consolidate their top-four spot. They face a Raiders side bolstered by the return of forward leader Josh Papalii, who will be looking to dominate the middle and ruin the Knights’ Easter Sunday party at home. However Knights try scoring speedster Dom Young will be out to wow the crowd once again.

In commentary exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the best in the business. Hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, the expert commentary line up for 2026 features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and fellow premiership winners Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, Millie Elliott and Sam Thaiday. Plus women’s internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, sideline reporters Emma Lawrence, Marlee Silva and Bronte Gildea.

Calling the live action is Mat Thompson, Peter Psaltis and Brenton Speed.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE:

Thursday, April 2

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – DOLPHINS v SEA EAGLES

Sydney 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane 6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne 7.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth 4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Friday, April 3

GOOD FRIDAY FOOTY – RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

Sydney 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane 2.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth 12.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PANTHERS v STORM

Sydney 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane 6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide 7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth 4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Sunday, April 5

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – KNIGHTS v RAIDERS

Sydney 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne 3.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth 1.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

EASTER WEEKEND NRL ON NINE
FROM THURSDAY, APRIL 2
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Wednesday 1 April, 2026

Nine Completes Acquisition of QMS Media, Creates Powerful Australian-Owned Media Ecosystem

Nine Entertainment Co. (Nine) has completed its 100 per cent acquisition of QMS Media (QMS), marking a definitive shift in Nine’s portfolio, and positioning the group as Australia and New Zealand’s first fully integrated, digital-first media powerhouse.

The addition of QMS transforms Nine’s offering to advertisers, agencies and partners by delivering a unique cross-platform digital media proposition, combining Nine’s premium assets in Streaming, Broadcast and Publishing with QMS’ leading outdoor assets. With the acquisition complete, Nine and QMS will now finalise their integrated Go-To-Market strategy which will unlock a ‘Sofa to Street’ advertising proposition.

From today, QMS’ 300 team members from Australia and New Zealand will join the Nine Group and the business will continue to operate as a distinct division, overseen by CEO John O’Neill who will report to Nine Group CEO Matt Stanton.

Nine Group CEO Matt Stanton said: “When we set about accelerating the transformation of our business, we saw an opportunity to bring to the market something unique; a diversified and digital media network that meets audiences where they are.

“The growth and resilience of the out of home sector, coupled with QMS’ innovation in digital out of home, its premium assets, and the reputation of its people within the market makes this a formidable opportunity for Nine, agencies, advertisers and our partners.”

QMS Chief Executive Officer John O’Neill said: “The combination of Nine and QMS positions us to deliver more data-driven, innovative solutions at scale, while also creating fantastic new opportunities for our people as part of a larger, more connected media ecosystem. This is an exciting new chapter for QMS, and I’m looking forward to what we will achieve together.”

Further details on the new integrated Nine and QMS offering will be shared soon. Until then, all existing relationships, points of contact, commercial arrangements and service levels remain unchanged.

For high res imagery of Nine CEO Matt Stanton and QMS CEO John O’Neill please click HERE.

Wednesday 1 April, 2026

NRL on Nine Round 4: DCE V Manly, Battle of Brisbane, Raiders V Sharks Grudgematch

STREAM NRL LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY: SEA EAGLES V ROOSTERS
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY: BRONCOS V DOLPHINS
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY: RAIDERS V SHARKS

The 9Network is set to deliver three tasty NRL matchups this week, headlined by Daly Cherry-Evans homecoming to Manly, the Battle of Brisbane and a Sunday afternoon grudge match in Canberra, from Thursday, March 26 at 7.30pm AEDT, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.

First up on Thursday Night Football it’s the match up the NRL world has been eagerly awaiting for 12 months, when former Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans makes his return to the Sea Eagles nest – 4 Pines Park, Brookvale, in his new Roosters colours for the first time since announcing his shock departure.

How the Manly faithful greet their most capped player of all time will set an interesting tone in a game where both clubs are out to bounce back from last start losses. The Roosters new superstar halfback is out to silence the northern beaches, while Manly will adopt their famous siege mentality to get some a win on their home turf. Don’t miss a moment of NRL on Nine’s free coverage with exclusive access to the ground.

On Friday Night Footy the Battle of Brisbane takes centre stage, when the fiercest rivalry in town ignites between the premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. A ferocious fullback battle between Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabui-Fidow will provide box office action, while a roll call of the biggest stars in the game collide including Isaiya Katoa, Patty Carrigan, Kotoni Staggs, Herbie Farnworth and Adam Reynolds.

Sunday Arvo Footy is live from the nation’s capital in Canberra with a match dripping in hostility when the Canberra Raiders host the Cronulla Sharks. Dating back to 2016 when Sharks players mocked the Raiders viking clap after a Sharks finals win in their premiership year, to their last meeting when the Sharks ended the Raiders season, there is no doubt Ricky Stuart’s raiders will be fired up on Sunday coming off back-to-back losses this season.

Calling the live action is Mat Thompson, Peter Psaltis and Brenton Speed.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL ROUND 4 ON NINE

Thursday, March 26
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS

Sydney    7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane    6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     7.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide      7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth   4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Sunday, March 29
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – RAIDERS v SHARKS

Sydney 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane 2.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne   3.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide 2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth   12.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

NRL ON NINE ROUND 4
FROM THURSDAY MARCH 26 AT 7.30PM AEDT
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Wednesday 25 March, 2026

Nine’s Trusted Journalism Recognised at the Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards

9News reporter Selina Zhang awarded Young Journalist of the Year and The Age’s Michael Gleeson named Australian Sports Journalist of the Year

The breadth of Nine’s journalism was on display tonight as journalists, columnists, camera operators, illustrators and graphic artists from 9News, The Age and Good Weekend received awards at the prestigious 31st Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards.

The Quill Awards are the annual celebration of excellence in Victorian journalism, with Nine this year collecting nine awards, led by 9News reporter Selina Zhang who was named Young Journalist of the Year.

The judges noted that her work “exemplified the core principles of quality journalism: gaining unprecedented access, telling stories that matter, and doing so with empathy and integrity.”

The Age’s senior sports reporter Michael Gleeson was awarded the prestigious Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year with the judges highlighting his “exceptional coverage of the rise and rise of Gout Gout” as well as his “peerless columns on AFL”.

The versatility of Nine’s journalism was also on display with 9News reporter Neary Ty being awarded a Quill in the Multicultural Affairs and Media category for her deeply personal public-interest journalism in The Age titled ‘Surviving Pol Pot – My Father’s Heartbreaking Journey’. Ty also created a moving mini-documentary for The Brief on 9Now.

Hugh Nailon, Nine’s National TV News Director, said, “These awards are emblematic of the quality work we strive for every day. Selina Zhang is an outstanding journalist who has flourished since starting her 9News internship. She has thoroughly earned every opportunity and plaudit that has come her way, and we look forward to seeing where this promising career takes her.

“As a newsroom, we are enormously proud to be recognised in the categories of camera work and artwork/graphics – two critical ingredients of visual storytelling.”

Patrick Elligett, Editor of The Age, said, “This list of winners perfectly encapsulates the quality and versatility of The Age team across investigative journalism, commentary, writing, artwork and sport reporting.

“I’m particularly thrilled that Michael Gleeson has been recognised as the country’s top sports journalist after a long period at the top of his game, particularly with his coverage of athletics and footy.”

Nine’s Award Winners:

Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year – Michael Gleeson (The Age) for his reporting on Gout Gout and AFL coverage
Young Journalist of the Year – Selina Zhang (9News)
Multicultural Affairs and Media – Neary Ty (The Age) for Surviving Pol Pot – My Father’s Heartbreaking Journey
Keith Dunstan Quill for Commentary – Waleed Aly (The Age) for Let’s Be Clear
Sports News – Chris Vedelago, Cameron Houston and Danny Russell (The Age) for John Kanga’s resignation came after questions from The Age
Feature Writing – Melissa Fyfe (Good Weekend magazine) for Wedlocked
Outstanding Camera Work (under 4 minutes) – Jason Conduit and Roger Humphrey (9News) for Driver’s Rampage
Artwork/Graphics in Any Medium – Brad Harvie (9News) for Midnight Hammer
Cartoon – Matt Golding (The Age) for Nighthawks

Monday 23 March, 2026

World Athletics Indoor Championships this Weekend

EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK, STREAM FREE ON 9NOW
FRIDAY, MARCH 20 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Australia’s best track and field athletes will take on the best on the planet this weekend when the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026 is exclusive, live and free from Poland, on the 9Network and free streaming service 9Now.

Aussie stars Jessica Hull, Nicola Olyslagers, Peter Bol and more are ready to lead the green and gold charge when the starters gun signals the start of coverage on Friday, March 20 from 7.00pm AEST.

After scoring a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s 1500m, Hull will front a world-class middle-distance line up that features Bol in the 1500m and 3000m, and rising runners Bob Abdelrahim and Hayley Kitching.

The high-flying Olyslagers is out to score a three-peat of World Indoor pole vault titles, when the current world no.1 forms a strong Aussie double attack on the event with Olympic bronze medallist Eleanor Patterson.

The men’s team is equally formidable with Kurtis Marschall targeting the podium in a world-class pole vault field, fresh off etching his name into the elusive six-metre club.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM – WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Jessica Hull, Women’s 1500m
Nicola Olyslagers, Women’s High Jump
Eleanor Patterson, Women’s Hugh Jump
Peter Bol, Men’s 800m
Bob Abdelrahim, Men’s 800m
Kurtis Marschall, Men’s Pole Vault
Michelle Jenneke, Women’s 60m Hurdles
Hayley Kitching, Womens 800m
Linden Hall, Women’s 3000m
Adam Spencer, Men’s 1500m
Liam Adcock, Men’s Long Jump

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, POLAND
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON 9GO! AND 9NOW
FROM FRIDAY, MARCH 20 AT 7.00PM AEST

Thursday 19 March, 2026

3AW Continues Reign as Melbourne’s No.1 Station

3AW has decisively cemented its status as Melbourne’s premier radio destination, yet again proving it is the undisputed leader in the market.

The GfK Survey 1 results, released today, confirm the station’s dominance as the city’s essential source for live, local and engaging talk content,securing a substantial overall audience share of 13.8, alongside a commercial streaming share of 33.8%.

Every week, 705,000 Melburnians tune into 3AW, with the station’s stronghold on the market evident across the schedule, successfully retaining the coveted No. 1 position in breakfast, mornings and evenings.

In the highly competitive breakfast slot, Ross and Russ once again proved unbeatable, claiming a massive 19.4 share. Their must-listen show reaches 446,000 listeners weekly and leads the digital charge with a staggering 45.1% commercial streaming share.

3AW Highlights from GfK Survey 1 include:

Afternoons with Tony Moclair posted a 10.3 share
Drive with Jacqui Felgate recorded a 9.8 share (up 0.9)
Nights with Denis Walter recorded a 22.3 share (up 0.5)
Overnights with Tony McManus recorded a 26.7 share

3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said: “We are delighted that 2026 is continuing with us as Melbourne’s number one radio station, delivering trusted news and opinions across all our programs. The dominance of Breakfast with Ross and Russ along with Tom Elliott in Mornings sets up our day and our whole week. Thanks to our hard working staff on and off air and our ever loyal audience for their ongoing support and engagement.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 1 2026, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12am, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri 12am-5.30am, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

Thursday, 19 March, 2026

2GB’s Ben Fordham No.1 Breakfast Show in Sydney

Sydney’s 2GB has begun 2026 by securing its position as having the undisputed No.1 breakfast show in the city, with the station also seeing big audience increases across the day.

Today’s GfK Survey 1 ratings for 2026 show the station increased its overall audience, delivering a 12.2 share – with gains across Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, Drive, Evenings and Weekends.

The commanding performance was led by Ben Fordham Live, which posted a decisive victory, reaching a 16.6 share (up 1.7) to claim its place as Sydney’s most listened-to Breakfast program. The winning momentum carried through most dayparts, which was evidenced by Mornings with Mark Levy, which increased its share to 14.1 (up 1.1 on last survey) and saw cumulative audience increase by 88,000 listeners.

2GB has also cemented its status as the outright No.1 in live audio streaming, with its unmatched ability to connect with audiences across all platforms. The station recorded a 32.0 commercial streaming share – a dominance that spanned all dayparts, including the competitive Breakfast and Mornings slots, which recorded massive shares of 43.8 and 32.3 respectively.

2GB Station Manager, Greg Byrnes said: “This is a magnificent start to the year for 2GB, with significant audience growth across every key shift. Ben Fordham’s stunning result in Breakfast proves he’s essential listening for every Sydneysider.

“The result is well-deserved recognition for all of our on-air and production teams. We look forward to building on this momentum as we celebrate two major milestones this year: the 40th anniversary of the legendary Continuous Call Team and 2GB’s momentous 100th anniversary.”

Highlights from GfK Survey 1 include:

Afternoons with Michael McLaren posted a 9.7 share (up 0.6)
Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard recorded a 6.5 share (up 0.7)
Wide World of Sports with Adam Hawse recorded a 8.0 share (up 0.8)
Money News with James Willis posted a 9.2 share (up 1.9)
Nights with John Stanley recorded a 17.6 share (up 1.8)
Weekends with Luke Grant is No.1 posting a 13.2 share (up 2.0)
Overnights with Phil O’Neil is also No.1 recording 18.3 share (up 0.8)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 1 2026, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12am, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri 12am-5.30am, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

Thursday, 19 March, 2026

Nine Radio No.1 Breakfast 2GB & 3AW; No.1 Streaming Nationally; Audience Surge in Perth

TOTAL RADIO

Melbourne’s 3AW and Sydney’s 2GB have started 2026 on top of the Breakfast radio ratings – winning the most important shift in the biggest cities.

Today’s GfK Survey 1 ratings for 2026 show Australians turn to Nine Radio for trusted news and entertainment, with Ben Fordham Live (2GB) and Breakfast with Ross and Russ (3AW) winning the crucial Breakfast battle and being the clear No.1 shows.

Results today cover the survey period from January 18 to February 28. 3AW is the outright No.1 radio station in Melbourne, while 2GB has grown its audience and is the No.1 talk radio station in Sydney.

2GB Highlights

2GB is the No.1 talk radio in Sydney with a 12.2 share
Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast and has increased his audience to a 16.6 share
Mornings with Mark Levy is No.1 talk in Sydney with a 14.1 share (up from 13.0) and has seen his cume audience increase by 88,000 listeners

3AW Highlights

3AW is the clear No.1 station for Melburnians, delivering a 13.8 share
Ross and Russ claimed the No.1 Breakfast position with a 19.4 share
Mornings with Tom Elliott was No.1 with a 15.7 share

Greg Byrnes, Nine Radio’s National Content Manager, said: “These results are fantastic and pave the way for another dominant year for our audio business. It’s great to see Ben Fordham increase his listeners in Sydney on his number one breakfast show, resulting in big gains right across the day on 2GB. 3AW has long been Melbourne’s most listened-to radio station, and starts 2026 as the clear number one overall, and in Breakfast and Mornings.

“While the changes we’ve made in Brisbane and Perth will take time to resonate, today’s big increases on 6PR are pleasing to see. Australia knows it can rely on us for trusted news, opinion, and entertainment, and we’re committed to delivering again throughout 2026.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
14.6% (4 markets)	1.719 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio is dominant in digital streaming, reflecting its accessibility to listeners on the go, around the house, in the car, or anywhere they choose to tune in. The network has once again claimed the No.1 national share, as well as leading across key dayparts in Sydney and Melbourne.

3AW No.1 overall: share 33.8%
2GB No.1 overall: share 32%
Breakfast with Ross and Russ No.1: share 45.1%
Ben Fordham Live No.1: share 43.8%
Mornings with Tom Elliott No.1: share 43.4%
Mornings with Mark Levy No.1: share 32.3%

Greg Byrnes said: “We are the clear market leader in streaming, and our momentum is accelerating. Our 25% year-on-year increase in audience demonstrates that a growing number of Australians are connecting with our live and local content through a digital device. We are continually refining the app experience, and features like the audio sync during the footy have been an outstanding success.”

“Streaming is the best way to engage our live and local content, it sounds great, is always on and ensures you’re always informed and up to date.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
27.4	453,000

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 1 2026, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, 2GB Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, 2GB Mornings Mon-Fi 9am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Thursday, 19 March 2026

Australian WPGA Championship Golf

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK, STREAM FOR FREE ON 9NOW
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will tee up for the Australian WPGA Championship this weekend on the Gold Coast from Saturday, March 21 on the 9Network and 9Now.

Coverage of the pivotal final two rounds will be shown on 9Go! and to stream free on 9Now, ensuring audiences nationwide won’t miss a single drive, chip, or putt as the players vie for the Karrie Webb Cup and $600,000 in prize money.

Headlining the field at Sanctuary Cove is women’s Major Champion and world No.7 Hannah Green, hot off winning the Australian Open last week, plus fellow LPGA Tour player Steph Kyriacou amongst an entry list with a total of 37 countries represented.

The Australian WPGA Championship will be a feature of the Festival of Golf – a high-energy, feel-good celebration where golf meets food, fun, fashion, and community spirit.

AUSTRALIAN WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GO! AND 9NOW

Thursday 19 March, 2026

2026 Nine Telethon in Support of Mater Little Miracles Launches with $1.5 Million Donation

The 2026 Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles is fast approaching, again helping to give our tiniest Queenslanders the best possible start to life, on Saturday, April 18, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

The broadcast will support Mater, Australia’s leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, by raising funds for essential, life-saving research, care, and equipment for seriously ill and premature babies and their mothers.

Kick-starting the fundraising, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls today announced a commitment of $1,500,000 on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Mr Nicholls said: “The Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles is a powerful reminder of what Queenslanders can achieve when compassion and community come together to support families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be leading the way in this year’s Telethon, providing frontline clinicians and researchers with additional resources to deliver the best possible care for babies.

“Our partnership with Mater has always been grounded in a shared commitment, to give every Queensland baby the strongest possible start to life.

“This funding will help accelerate vital research and support the development of new treatments and technologies that will continue improving outcomes for the smallest and most vulnerable Queenslanders.”

More than 1,700 babies receive round-the-clock specialist care from the team in the Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) every year. Amongst the little fighters in Mater’s NCCU are triplet brothers, Gianluca, Danilo and Massimo. At the launch event at Mater Mothers’ Hospital today, the Health Minister met the triplets and their parents Melinda and Gianfranco Lombardo-Vosolo in the NCCU.

Melinda delivered the triplets in an emergency c-section at the hospital in January, 10 weeks early. Her smallest boy, Gianluca, weighed just 956g at birth, while brother Danilo was only a little larger at 1.09kg, and Massimo weighed in at 1.517kg.

A team of around 20 Mater staff – including obstetricians, midwives and nurses – were involved in the triplets’ delivery. All of the babies received intensive around-the-clock medical care and breathing support in their first weeks of life in the NCCU.

“The first two weeks were gruelling for us, but the care we received from the whole team was sensational,” Melinda said.

“The boys’ health is looking good now and we can’t wait to get them home – but we’re a bit scared about how we are going to manage it all!”

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Thomas said: “Mater is incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for its generous contribution to this year’s Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles.

“Every dollar we receive will make a difference to sick and premature babies and their families through improved care and groundbreaking medical research.

“Lives are saved and changed forever every day at Mater, which is why we’re excited to welcome Nine back into our hospitals for this year’s Telethon.

“It will be an emotional watch for viewers at home, but one which will both amaze and inspire Queenslanders.”

This year’s broadcast will again include the Nine Telethon Concert, featuring a special performance from Pub Choir. Created and hosted by the talented Astrid Jorgensen, Pub Choir transforms a crowd of strangers into a choir, belting out songs in three-part harmony, perfect for viewers watching at home to join in on the fun.

Managing Director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher, said: “The Nine Telethon is a powerful demonstration of the Queensland community coming together for an extraordinary cause. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mater Little Miracles once again, rallying behind our toughest and tiniest.

“The generosity, compassion and willingness to help families doing it tough is truly inspiring and what makes the Nine Telethon so special. Last year Queenslanders helped us to surpass our goal to raise over $10 million and we’re excited to see that same incredible spirit shine through again”.

DONATE: Support Queensland’s littlest lives by making a donation at www.9telethon.com.au.

#9telethon
#materlittlemiracles
Follow @9NewsQueensland on Instagram and Facebook
Follow and @MaterQld on Instagram and Facebook
Follow @MaterLittleMiracles on Facebook

Tuesday 17 March, 2026

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