Australians have opened their hearts and their wallets to dig deep for Nine’s Farm Aid Telethon with $7,670,857 raised across the course of the appeal so far.

The telethon, which began with a special edition of TODAY this morning, featured Nine’s biggest names issuing a rallying call to the nation to offer financial support to those affected by the country’s worst drought in 100 years.

Broadcasting live from the Dubbo Showground in Central West NSW and Warwick in Southeast Queensland, we heard first-hand the heartbreaking stories of those doing it tough as a result of the devastating natural disaster that has ravaged much of rural Australia.

While all donations, no matter how small, were greatly appreciated, special mention must be given to the following particularly generous donations:

• McDonald’s Australia and its licensees: $250,000 
• Great Northern Brewing Co: $250,000
• Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman: $100,000
• GME: $100,000
• Sydney Markets: $50,000
• NSW Blues Major Sponsors: $66,000
• Alcatel: $30,000
• NSW Government: $25,000

Co-host of Today, Karl Stefanovic, said: “What a privilege to spend the day with farmers and their families. To hear their stories and to see their struggle has been so humbling. This was an incredible event to be a part of and the response from people right across Australia was awesome. I want to thank every single person who gave their hard earned dollars to help our farmers. And I want our farmers to know our coverage of this crisis will continue.”

Personalities to feature in today’s event included Karl Stefanovic, Georgie Gardner, Deborah Knight, David Campbell, Leila McKinnon, Doctor Doctor star Rodger Corser, Natalia Cooper, Shelley Craft, Melissa Downes, Andrew Lofthouse, Garry Youngberry, Aislin Kriukelis, The Block Foreman Keith Schleiger, Blockheads Norm, Bianca and Carla, and Hayden and Sara, Bite Club’s Marny Kennedy, Married at First Sight expert John Aiken and Aussie swimming sensation James Magnussen. 

Crowds enjoyed live performances from Shannon Noll, Mental As Anything, Dragon and Wendy Matthews. 

Donations can still be made at todayshow.com.au, by calling 1800 732 165 or at any Westpac branch.

For further information please contact:  
Nine Publicity

Tuesday, August 21, 2018