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Red Cross Flood Appeal telethon: WA digs deep for flood victims with $2 million donation

Joe SpagnoloThe West Australian
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Australia Unites: Red Cross Flood Appeal.
Camera IconAustralia Unites: Red Cross Flood Appeal. Credit: 7TWO/7TWO

The WA Government has donated $2 million to the Red Cross Flood Appeal telethon to help victims of the east coast flooding disaster.

The donation was announced on Saturday night’s nationally televised Australia Unites — a live broadcast across all commercial TV networks that came together to raise funds for flood-hit communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

The $2 million donation, announced by Mark McGowan, complements WA’s recent deployment of emergency services specialists to relieve exhausted crews in the Eastern States.

“On behalf of all Western Australians, I am proud to donate $2 million to the communities caught up in this crisis,” Mr McGowan said.

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“The donation ... will provide practical help for those who need it most in these difficult times.

“Many Western Australians have deep bonds with people affected by the east coast flood disaster and we have an obligation to help those in need.

“Western Australia stands to provide more help if and when required.”

Mining billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation also contributed to the fundraiser, giving $1 million for immediate relief but also committing to helping “build back stronger”.

Australia Unites: Red Cross Flood Appeal. Pictured is Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman
Camera IconKeith Urban and Nicole Kidman appeared as part of the fundraiser. Credit: 7TWO/7TWO

“This is our opportunity to build back stronger and to lift our whole country. We need to build resilience to withstand disasters like these in the future — we owe it to ourselves and to our kids,” Mr Forrest said.

Other WA contributors included HBF, St John of God and Ramsey Health Care.

Channel 7’s Natalie Barr, David Koch, Sonia Kruger and Mark Ferguson were among hosts across all three major TV networks leading the special telethon event.

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