The countdown is officially underway for the Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles, on Saturday, April 6, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Commemorating a decade since the inaugural Nine Telethon, the 2024 broadcast aims to propel Mater, Australia’s leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, toward its ongoing mission to improve health outcomes for seriously ill and premature babies and mothers, while encouraging Queenslanders to show their support by donating generously.

Early momentum for the fundraising drive was unveiled today with a commitment of $1,500,000 from Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, on behalf of the Miles Government. This contribution is poised to make a significant impact on Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), which provides cutting-edge specialist care, life-saving equipment, and supports world-leading research that benefits more than 2,000 premature babies annually.

Ms Fentiman said: “I am delighted to announce a $1.5 million donation for this year’s Nine Telethon on April 6 – a commitment that supports Mater in its dedication to providing ongoing assistance to Queensland’s most vulnerable little lives, their mothers and their families, now and into the future.

“This commitment not only aids the delivery of life-saving medical equipment but also propels vital research initiatives and elevates healthcare services throughout Queensland, precisely what Queenslanders deserve.

“We feel honoured to play a role in shaping the trajectory for these precious lives, ensuring they have the best possible start in life, and look forward to following their journeys from their NCCU bed and beyond.”

The heartwarming stories include twin boys Charlie and Oliver, who were born 14 weeks premature, weighing 820gm and a tiny 675gm respectively, but have made considerable progress since receiving expert care in Mater’s NCCU.

Parents Tiahna and Juan Fourie, from Wavell Heights, have spent over 60 days calling Mater home since Charlie and Oliver were born, and said: “We are experiencing first-hand the benefit of having the Mater’s NCCU’s life-saving equipment.

“Charlie has already had surgery and both our little boys will require more treatment before coming home, including needing breathing assistance for some time. Every dollar makes a world of difference.”

Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “What a generous kick-start this $1.5 million contribution is to the Nine Telethon – our miracle in the making for Queensland’s sickest and smallest babies.

“With one in five Queensland babies born at a Mater Hospital and over 2,000 at-risk newborns calling our NCCU home annually, we remain steadfast in delivering compassionate critical care. The support from commitments like these, toward the Nine Telethon, will drive pioneering, revolutionary, maternal-foetal medicine treatments and innovations through research and new technology.

“This early display of generosity ensures crucial advancements at Mater and opens the door to limitless possibilities on April 6.”

Managing Director for Nine Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said: “Year after year, the Nine Telethon consistently surpasses our expectations with its remarkable fundraising endeavours and impactful outcomes. As we approach its tenth year, having collectively raised nearly $100 million for Queensland kids and their families, we are anticipating another outstanding telethon.

“It’s an event that brings Queenslanders together in mutual support, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing that genuine, collective spirit once again as we rally around these resilient little fighters.”

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

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For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Tuesday, January 30, 2024