The 2026 Nine Telethon has once again proven the power of community, raising an extraordinary total of $12,394,630 for Mater Little Miracles and soaring past the $10 million target.

The incredible generosity of Queenslanders shone through on Saturday night as thousands pledged their support to the critical care provided by Mater’s dedicated clinical teams. This year’s record-breaking fundraising total will further strengthen Mater’s position as a national leader in neonatal intensive care and maternal-fetal medicine, ensuring more little miracles have a fighting chance.

A significant portion of the money raised came from the telethon’s presenting partners, including the Queensland Government, Plantation Homes, The Lott by Golden Casket, University of Queensland and the Federal Government. Their support was instrumental in driving the total past the $10 million target.Adding a special emotional touch to the night, the Brisbane Broncos, NRL Dolphins and Brisbane Lions supported the cause by auctioning off football boots worn by Pat Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kafusi, Charlie Cameron and Jade Ellenger, each pair symbolically reflecting the size of the premature and seriously ill babies in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).

Broadcast live from Mater Mothers’ Hospital, the Nine Telethon was hosted by 9News Queensland’s Melissa Downes and Joel Dry, with Today’s Tim Davies and Today Extra’s Sylvia Jeffreys hosting from the Call Centre at Channel 9 Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha studio.

This year the phone-call panel featured a star lineup of familiar faces, including Love Island Australia host Sophie Monk, “The King” Wally Lewis, Wide World of Sports commentator and SHARK! celebirty Sam Thaiday, SHARK! celebrity Tammy Hambrow, KIIS 97.3 Breakfast announcer Corey Oates, Brisbane Bronco Billy Walters, and Married at First Sight fan favourites Stella and Filip. The panellists answered the phones to take donations from generous Queenslanders helping drive momentum to the final tally.

The day before the telethon, Sophie Monk visited the Mater hospital and met some of the tiny premature babies, and their families, receiving round-the-clock specialist care.

Donations flooded in throughout the night from generous Queenslanders digging deep, including an incredible $1 million donation from the Van Lieshout family.

Managing Director of Nine Queensland, Kylie Blucher, said: “The 2026 Nine Telethon has exceeded expectations. Surpassing our $10 million goal is truly incredible, and this record-breaking result is a powerful testament to the generosity and heart of Queenslanders.

“These vital, life-saving funds will directly support Mater Little Miracles in their critical work, ensuring the most vulnerable babies and their families receive the specialist care they desperately need to give them the best possible start to life.

“My deepest gratitude goes to the phenomenal team at Nine Queensland, from our on-air talent to our production crews whose tireless commitment made this wonderful night possible.”

Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “On behalf of the Mater Foundation, I want to thank the Queensland community for rallying behind our tiniest and most vulnerable patients with such compassion and generosity.

“We are deeply grateful to our presenting and community partners, and to Nine, for championing this cause and uniting Queenslanders in support of our clinicians and families.

“These vital funds will help ensure our specialist teams can continue delivering world‑leading care that not only gives tiny babies the best chance to survive and thrive, but also supports families through every step of what is often the most challenging time of their lives.”

Donations to the 2026 Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles can still be made at www.9telethon.com.au.

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Monday 20 April, 2026